#104 – What's the Ego's idea of course-correction?

When we take a big leap that results in "failure," two instinctive response are likely to arise. One is to want to retreat into a corner and pull a blanket over our head for the next 100 years.

The other is to want to become a 'by-the-book' person. We promise ourselves we'll never rock the boat again, that we'll stay between the lines.

If you've experienced something like this, it means you have an Ego – whose job, as you know, is to protect you from death. The Ego believes falling in line is the only way you can prevent rejection—which, to the Ego, equals death.

Say you take a bold action but that action fails and you realize it was a mistake all along – what happens then?

Your Ego shames you for having been so naive as to think that the action could work. Then it slaps you on the wrist and tells you, "See? That was a stupid thing to do!" And it convinces you that getting back in line is the solution to your feelings of inadequacy.

Because the Ego believes in rank and privilege. It believes in waiting for your turn and putting your head down until someone chooses you. And if you're not chosen, you stay put and don't try anything unconventional, unproven, or never-before-tried.

Because trying a bold action means you're too independent, too different, too much your unique Self. And that's dangerous.

Whereas fitting in, the Ego believes, is the only way to salvation.

How did you overcome your Ego's desire for punishment for being too much your Unique Self?

Love,

Carolina