Are You Afraid, Or Is Your Ego?

Monday 5th February

Hello 👋

We all feel anxiety. Some more than most. But is it really ‘us’ that’s feeling that fear?

When you feel fear, is it truly you that's afraid?

Let's Break It Down (Up)

Your ego is like an overprotective friend—it means well, but sometimes it goes overboard.

You are the sum of every decision you’ve ever made. And you only ever made those decisions, because you believe you would be better for doing so.

Your ego is sort of the sum of your habits, and belief systems.

It wants to keep you safe, maintain your image, and stick with what's known. It's that voice that says, "Hey, don't do that.”

But here's the kicker: Your ego isn't you. At least, not completely.

You build it. Over time. Through your surroundings, your thoughts and your beliefs.

It’s part of you, sure, but it’s not the sum total of your being.

So, how do you tell the difference between your genuine fears and your ego’s noise?

There can be various reasons but here’s a general overview:

• Genuine fears often have a protective instinct. They’re the gut reactions that keep you safe from real danger and are hard to ignore.

• Ego-based fears, on the other hand, are those that bubble up when there’s a risk of embarrassment, failure, or vulnerability. Usually, there’s a moment you remember making them, if you think back far enough.

So how do you go about tackling things…?

1. Acknowledge the Fear: Whether it’s coming from you or your ego, recognize it. Don’t hold any further emotional attachment to it. Just accept it.

2. Ask yourself this “Am I scared of this, but in love with the opposite of this?”

Let me explain this a little further. We mention in another message a couple of weeks back…

Most fears are the polarity of what you really, really want.

Social anxiety is often a fear of lack of connection, or being understood. And so you become an anxious-avoidant and ignore it altogether.

Study the fear and see if it’s something you want, and if you’re worried about failure.

3. Remember, it’s just a belief system. It’s not real.

You have simply begun to train yourself on this thought path, as you felt at one point this was the right thing to do.

It’s not wrong. Just not needed, no more.

This week, challenge yourself to listen to your true self more.

Find time to sit there an workout, “what do my thoughts, really mean? And, when did they even start?”

Explore it a little. And, see what answers show up.

Stay curious,

C