The Journey of Valuing Yourself: Embracing Ego, Humility, and Passion Leadership
In a world that often glorifies ego and material success, somewhere in there lies your self-worth, humility and helping others
Life has a way of humbling us, sometimes knocking us down and other times lifting us up. In this delicate dance between ego and humility, I've experienced my fair share of ups and downs that have shaped my understanding of self-worth. In a world that often glorifies ego and material success, it's crucial to find our own value beyond external validation. Through my personal rollercoaster journey of self-discovery, taking the road less traveled, I've learned the importance of valuing myself, even in the face of adversity.
Bruised Egos and Hard Lessons: Chasing the Money...
There was a time when I made a bold move, leaving an amazing job for one with a higher salary and a fancier title. Driven by ego and the allure of money, it seemed like the right path. However, it turned out to be a terrible decision. I felt undervalued and disrespected, realizing that true happiness cannot be bought with money alone. Like Icarus flying too close to the sun, my ego got burned, and the job that I thought was supposed to be great, I lost. This experience taught me a profound lesson in humility, reminding me to prioritize self-respect and personal fulfillment over material gains.
Happiness through Selfless Acts of Kindness and the Joy of Giving...
Amidst the trials of ego, I discovered the pure joy of giving back. One impactful moment stands out when I opened my home to a homeless man. The impact on both of us was immeasurable. It wasn't about boosting my ego; it was about making a positive difference in someone's life.
In a self-centered world, there's immense beauty in acts of selflessness. Another experience that deeply touched me was quietly supporting a neighbor whose house had flooded, helping her rebuild without seeking recognition or anything in return. It remains one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life, emphasizing that true value lies in the impact we make on others without expecting anything in return.
Even when my fancy job was on the line, and I was copping the brunt of it, about to lose it, I spent as much time as I could taking care of my team, my employees, because I wanted to make sure they were OK even if I wasn’t. That’s passion leadership - leading with passion, caring and joy.
These acts remind me of our shared humanity and the significance of compassion even in the face of adversity, and a reminder that our self-worth comes from within.
Brash Dreams versus Organized Reality: The Latter Paid Off...
Ah, the dreams of my youth! I was brash and full of ambition. I once embarked on a journey to New York City, envisioning Broadway stardom. However, reality quickly brought me back to earth—I didn't even have a work visa. Instead of giving up, I learned the importance of organization. I saved money, hired a lawyer, and obtained a proper work visa. It was a lesson in perseverance and the realization that dreams require careful planning, time, and preparation.
Anything I've truly excelled at has been the result of leading with passion, dreams, focus, organization, heart, and humility.
Confidence comes from a heart-centered, authentic, and organized place, not from brashness or ego-driven motives. It stems from within, disregarding the opinions of others.
Thema Davis said,
“Make sure you don't start seeing yourself through the eyes of those who don't value you. Know your worth even if they don't.”
We all go through experiences that either bruise or buff our ego, providing valuable lessons about self-worth and personal growth. Through my own ups and downs, I've come to understand the importance of valuing oneself. It's a continuous journey requiring resilience and self-awareness. So, how do we navigate the delicate balance between ego and humility? Although it's tempting to protect ourselves with a suit of armor, there's a deeper wisdom in finding the middle ground where ego and humility coexist harmoniously.
1. The Sting of Ego Bruising:
Ego bruising can be painful and disheartening, often resulting from failures, criticism, or comparisons. These experiences leave us vulnerable and questioning our abilities and self-worth. While it's natural to feel the sting, it's crucial to remember that temporary setbacks do not define us. Acknowledging vulnerability and embracing discomfort is the first step toward healing and growth.
2. The Resilience of Ego Buffing:
On the flip side, ego buffing occurs when we achieve accomplishments, receive recognition, or experience moments of praise. These triumphs boost our self-confidence and validate our efforts. However, it's essential to remain grounded and avoid excessive pride. Inflated ego can lead to arrogance and a disconnection from others. True growth lies in using these moments as inspiration for personal development and recognizing the value in others' achievements.
3. Striving for Balance:
Achieving a healthy balance between ego and humility is an ongoing process that requires self-reflection, introspection, and a genuine understanding of oneself. Ego fuels our ambitions, propelling us to reach new heights, while humility keeps us grounded, enabling us to learn from mistakes and appreciate the contributions of others. Striving for balance means valuing our strengths and accomplishments without disregarding the wisdom gained from setbacks and recognizing the worth of others without diminishing our own.
4. Embracing Self-Awareness:
Self-awareness is a powerful tool on the journey of self-valuation. It involves recognizing our strengths, weaknesses, and emotions without judgment. Understanding our triggers and vulnerabilities enables us to navigate the world with resilience and grace. Self-awareness helps us separate our self-worth from external validation, empowering us to define our own measure of success guided by our values and passions.
In the end, what truly matters is not what others say about us or what we do to meet their expectations, but how we value ourselves.
We must trust in our worth and acknowledge our unique strengths and contributions. As passion-driven leaders, we are often subjected to external scrutiny and opinions from those who don't understand our paths. Amidst the noise, it's essential to hold onto ourselves and embrace our journeys. Valuing oneself is a lifelong endeavor, requiring a delicate balance between ego and humility. It means acknowledging both our bruises and triumphs while staying grounded in the knowledge that true strength lies in vulnerability and the ability to learn from every experience. By embracing our passionate spirits and valuing ourselves, we open doors to self-discovery, personal growth, and meaningful connections that transcend ego, empowering us to make a positive impact on the world. So, let's embrace our worth, trust ourselves, and go forth confidently on our unique paths.
Go do you!
xo,
Gilli