The Value of a Healthy Ego

Over the past several years too many people have had to cope with the stress of financial difficulties. Very rarely have these situations been the consequence of poor decisions on the part of the affected individuals. Yet, it is so difficult for someone undergoing such stresses and strains to convince themselves that they are not at fault.

In our society many have always placed an emphasis on finding oneself. Generally, this meant realizing a sense of self-identity. In other words, we want to find out who we are. Often this leads us to seek answers from religious or other spiritual teachers, our nationality, our occupation or profession, our loyalty toward our favorite sports team or our academic alma mater, and even by identifying with our possessions. But what happens when our sense of self comes under question? It does not matter whether we did or did not cause such discomfort to happen. When life challenges us, we begin questioning our self-worth and our value to others. Perhaps we are asking the wrong questions.

Our ego acts as our inner guide. It provides direction when we are faced with choices and strength when we are challenged. If it is too weak, we seem to lack the power to face our day-to-day challenges. However, if an ego is based primarily upon a set of limiting beliefs about who we have been told that we are or who we have become to believe we are, we are more vulnerable than we should be.

Instead, I recommend that a person focus not as much on their belief as to who they are, but rather emphasize on what they do. Let's face it. The only one who really cares about your self-identity is you – and those who think that your self-identity vindicates theirs. As throughout your life you learn and are otherwise changed due to events in your environment, you should realize that an ego based upon self-identity alone is rather vulnerable. Therefore, by choosing to concern yourself more with your actions – and the resulting feelings that they cause you and others – you stand a better chance of controlling your future.