This is gold man, don't usually read on my phone but just read this whole post.Reason why I might've read it is because the failures are relatable in this
This just might be your best post yet - very engaging! I did not go the entrepreneurship route (at least not yet), but have had a similar "ego journey". I have come to let a lot of things go - title, influence, etc. - by understanding what is ego-driven vs. purpose-driven and the costs associated with ego-driven pursuits. I have not yet reached monk status but I can comfortably say I am much calmer, compassionate, and present than ever before. Great read that resonates even with us non-entrepreneurs.
I'm glad to hear you're also making progress, Doug! You make a great point that this lesson fits with anyone who takes risks in their careers--like you have--and pays attention to what happens in their mind along the way.
"Success and Failure both burn" is quite profound.
I have also benefited a lot from the Waking Up app. I don't think i've heard Harris speak about entrepreneurship, but I wonder what he'd say about it. From my extremely limited view, I don't experience him as entirely post-ego, even as he has done a huge amount of work on helping others overcome theirs.
Thank you! That is such a great point about Sam. He's an amazing person who has opened my eyes in many ways. However, he seems stubbornly stuck at "lower levels" on some issues around religion, politics, and free will. Sometimes I want to say, "Hey, Sam, practice what you preach, my man!" I do think deleting his Twitter account was a big positive step :)
Really appreciated this post! Ego is akin to sugar and both have us wired to feed ourselves it and search for it. Knowing why we have ego and how we have been wired this way is a great step in the right direction. It’s taken me a long time to wrap my head around the “ego” topic and this helped connect a few dots for me.
Thank you! I really like your sugar analogy. I've got a bag of candy from Christmas in my sock drawer that talks to me every time I open it...Thankfully, I can laugh at one.
Still working on doing the same completely with Ego!
First of all, this is straight up the introduction to a book in the making that I hope you will write. Such insight and support for those navigating the world of entrepreneurship is so desperately needed.
What I appreciate about your article is the call out on the casual use of the word "ego" - a catch all term that, when traded around, provides the comforting illusion that we are beyond it, or a witness to its activity. It's not until something is really on the line that what ego is comes out to play, and it doesn't mess around. It will kill you before it will allow you exposure to the same circumstances that produced a formative wound. Which is why those who find a way to face those worst fears and the gaping emptiness of presence and true full feeling walk away with something of immense value. Entrepreneurship is a dangerous game that way, because you don't know which way it will go.
"Every human has these questions, but they are usually lodged deep inside and covered by layers of protective Ego. The Ego is afraid of what we might find, so it would prefer that we get right back into the game of seeking external rewards and recognition."
Well, once again, you prove to be the kindest person on Substack, Rick.
Just between us two storytellers (no one else reads comments, right?👀)...A couple of thoughts play in my mind in the afterglow of hitting publish on this one:
1. This post has been brewing in my mind for months--and I can't claim any conscious credit for it! The Muse, Universe, or whatever kept this topic top-of-mind and continually fed me thoughts to add to the outline. A side story from a friend here, a quote from someone in history there. It was probably 30 hours in drip-by-drip additions until I sat down to write it.
2. The praise of "best yet" that a few folks made here or in private emails probably adds more pressure than feelings of satisfaction. It sets the bar high for a weekly email! Next week will be a solid, helpful post, but I can't put on the same show every time. On the other hand, it's great to see the feedback, which helps me see that I'm onto something. AND I've got three other "big topic" posts that are getting the "nudges from the Universe" treatment right now.
What a fun ride! I'm so glad to have an audience to share this with. And fellow writers like you to learn from :)
I'm quite sure none of us are going away if you don't "top" each week's article. I think the "something" that you're on to is a quality of voice that will only shine through stronger and stronger as you continue to publish. I just love the clear inside view of what it's really like to operate as an entrepreneur. It's the combination of your humor, domain expertise in business, and candor that makes it so useful.
This is gold man, don't usually read on my phone but just read this whole post.Reason why I might've read it is because the failures are relatable in this
Thank you, Abhinav! Yep, many of us have felt this--just gotta use it to our advantage!
This just might be your best post yet - very engaging! I did not go the entrepreneurship route (at least not yet), but have had a similar "ego journey". I have come to let a lot of things go - title, influence, etc. - by understanding what is ego-driven vs. purpose-driven and the costs associated with ego-driven pursuits. I have not yet reached monk status but I can comfortably say I am much calmer, compassionate, and present than ever before. Great read that resonates even with us non-entrepreneurs.
Agreed on the "best post yet" designation.
I'm glad to hear you're also making progress, Doug! You make a great point that this lesson fits with anyone who takes risks in their careers--like you have--and pays attention to what happens in their mind along the way.
"Success and Failure both burn" is quite profound.
I have also benefited a lot from the Waking Up app. I don't think i've heard Harris speak about entrepreneurship, but I wonder what he'd say about it. From my extremely limited view, I don't experience him as entirely post-ego, even as he has done a huge amount of work on helping others overcome theirs.
Thank you! That is such a great point about Sam. He's an amazing person who has opened my eyes in many ways. However, he seems stubbornly stuck at "lower levels" on some issues around religion, politics, and free will. Sometimes I want to say, "Hey, Sam, practice what you preach, my man!" I do think deleting his Twitter account was a big positive step :)
(also just listened to Annaka Harris meditation on Loving Kindness this am)
Really appreciated this post! Ego is akin to sugar and both have us wired to feed ourselves it and search for it. Knowing why we have ego and how we have been wired this way is a great step in the right direction. It’s taken me a long time to wrap my head around the “ego” topic and this helped connect a few dots for me.
Thank you! I really like your sugar analogy. I've got a bag of candy from Christmas in my sock drawer that talks to me every time I open it...Thankfully, I can laugh at one.
Still working on doing the same completely with Ego!
First of all, this is straight up the introduction to a book in the making that I hope you will write. Such insight and support for those navigating the world of entrepreneurship is so desperately needed.
What I appreciate about your article is the call out on the casual use of the word "ego" - a catch all term that, when traded around, provides the comforting illusion that we are beyond it, or a witness to its activity. It's not until something is really on the line that what ego is comes out to play, and it doesn't mess around. It will kill you before it will allow you exposure to the same circumstances that produced a formative wound. Which is why those who find a way to face those worst fears and the gaping emptiness of presence and true full feeling walk away with something of immense value. Entrepreneurship is a dangerous game that way, because you don't know which way it will go.
"Every human has these questions, but they are usually lodged deep inside and covered by layers of protective Ego. The Ego is afraid of what we might find, so it would prefer that we get right back into the game of seeking external rewards and recognition."
Your article was so good, front to back.
I hope you write more about this Bob.
Well, once again, you prove to be the kindest person on Substack, Rick.
Just between us two storytellers (no one else reads comments, right?👀)...A couple of thoughts play in my mind in the afterglow of hitting publish on this one:
1. This post has been brewing in my mind for months--and I can't claim any conscious credit for it! The Muse, Universe, or whatever kept this topic top-of-mind and continually fed me thoughts to add to the outline. A side story from a friend here, a quote from someone in history there. It was probably 30 hours in drip-by-drip additions until I sat down to write it.
2. The praise of "best yet" that a few folks made here or in private emails probably adds more pressure than feelings of satisfaction. It sets the bar high for a weekly email! Next week will be a solid, helpful post, but I can't put on the same show every time. On the other hand, it's great to see the feedback, which helps me see that I'm onto something. AND I've got three other "big topic" posts that are getting the "nudges from the Universe" treatment right now.
What a fun ride! I'm so glad to have an audience to share this with. And fellow writers like you to learn from :)
I'm quite sure none of us are going away if you don't "top" each week's article. I think the "something" that you're on to is a quality of voice that will only shine through stronger and stronger as you continue to publish. I just love the clear inside view of what it's really like to operate as an entrepreneur. It's the combination of your humor, domain expertise in business, and candor that makes it so useful.