Ego, Attitude, Arrogance, we all use these words interchangeably to describe a person. While these three words’ definiton is slightly different but in the core they all mean the same thing, having an excessive sense of self importance and self worth.

Now what is Ego? Ego is the sense of self worth, a sense that conveys you are better than others, in some or all aspects of life.

For example, you are smarter than others, stronger than others, richer than others etc. We can develope Ego for various reasons. But it is very important that we keep it in check. If you think you are superior to others that is completly fine, afterall no one knows you better than you know yourself. But keeping it inside will help you a lot to move around the world.

Ego, Arrogance and Attitude:

Every one of us think that we are better than others but some are able to hide it while others shows it blatantly. Those who show it, are known to people as having an attitude problem or arrogant or egoistic.

Attitude has less to do with one’s sense of self but more to do with how that person treat others. But both the Ego and Attitude are connected, because when people think they are the best, they will treat others disrespectfully, and then others will say that person has an Attitude. Arrogance on the other hand is sort of a bridge between Ego and Attitude. When you have an excessive amount of Ego, that is called Arrogance and an arrogant person will think they are the best, they know everything, they are always correct. So they will behave like they don’t care about others.

But in reality it is not possible as none of us are perfect and we all need help at some point in our life. So if you keep behaving like you know everything and can do everything by yourself then when bad times come no one will be willing to help you. No one likes a show off. So with time you will loose friends and even your loved ones who deeply care for you.

One thing that separates Ego and Arrogance is that Ego can be a positive thing when kept in check. After all Ego in other words is self confidence and we all need it to be successful in life.

Reasons for Developing Ego:

Defense Mechanism:

Ego can be developed as a defense mechanism to stand against constant criticism. Kids who grow up with stirct parents tend to develope Ego. Because they had to face constant critism from their loved ones so they knew if they don’t do somthing, those harsh words will affect their life. So they create this egoistic attitude to make sure people don’t distrub them or try to talk to them.

Coddling:

If people around you often coddle you, even for your smallest of achievements you can develope ego, which is also known as Vanity. This is when people around you treat you like a diamond, everything you do, even the most basic of things, they shower you with praises and gifts that can make your mind believe you are special. And no matter what you do you will get treated nicely which is never a good thing. This type of ego is destructive and people with this ego gets into trouble.

Talent:

Some people are good at a particular thing or at multiple things, means they are talented. So it is natural for them to develope an ego. This type of ego is justified though. Some people are excellent at studying or in sports. So naturally they get a lot of attention and others seems to worship them for their talents.

Inferiority:

Sometimes someone’s personal achievements can make them develope ego. This is a bit unique and result of inferiority complex. A person who has been treated harshly for his entire life because he is just average or can’t seems to do anything perfectly, if suddenly does something good. That person will develope an instant ego, which if not realized early will engulf them. Because when he did something good he proved others wrong who used to say or think he is a good for nothing.

Belittling Others:

Now this one’s very common, people can simply boasts their ego to make others around them feel bad. This mainly happens when somone feels like others are doing better than them. But if you look deeply that person who is showing off actually have nothing inside to have an ego they are empty. But they just brag to hurt others.

How to Control Ego:

Practice Gratitude and Humility:

This technique is for those who have achieved success using their skills and talents. When you reach at a successful stage it is natural to feel egoistic because no one in you family or even among your friends been able to reach their. At that time think of all the mistakes you made or how many times you failed. How during hopeless times you stayed determined. Remembering our past, the long road that we walked will help us a lot during this time.

Appriciate Others Achievements:

This technique is for those who ignore others existence and continue to boast themselves. Observe closely and you will see all of us are struglling to achieve something, none of us are sitting still. You shouldn’t judge a person whom you only see 2 to 4 hours a day, you don’t know how much hard work that person is putting on for the rest of the day. When you observe you will know and when you will know you will appreciate and respect that person.

Try to See the Whole Picture:

When you focus on your singular achievements you develope an ego. But if you gaze further you will know that there is a long road ahead and this achievement is nothing but just one step on that road. In this way you can keep you ego in check. Because the moment you ackowledge your success you will be frozen at one place and won’t be able to move further.

Take Responsiblity for Your Mistakes:

Admiting that you made a mistake is very hard you will feel like others will look doubt upon you judge your capabilities but those who can do it are the bravest and strongest in my opinion. Admiting you made a mistake not only make things easier but this event stays on your mind and even unknowingly you learn from it. And next time you will never make the same mistake because your mind won’t let you.

Keep on Learning:

If you stop learning at a particular age you will feel like you know it all but that is a huge mistake. Our learning aren’t limited by studies that we do in school college universities. The biggest book is this world and there are million things to learn. Not only from this world but even from other people. So keep an open mind and be receptive of the knowledge that is coming in your way.

Conclusion:

In the end I would like to mention no one was born as an egoistic person. Through different experiences in our lives we develope this ego mostly to protect ourselves. Which is not a bad thing. But those who use this ego just so they can intentionally hurt others is a very bad thing. We have no right to judge others or make them feel inferior. If you can’t support somone or say two good things about them then don’t say anything at all.

Thank you for staying utill the end!