Ego Is the Enemy
Life philosophy
Talk less so you can focus your energy on what really matters

Talk less so you can focus your energy on what really matters

from Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday

When you spend a lot of time talking about and explaining a task or goal, you will naturally feel like you are closer to achieving it. However, this is not always the case! This false sense of accomplishment will stroke your ego and be one of your greatest obstacles. Achieving success requires 100% of your effort, and talk only flitters some of that effort away before you have the chance to use it.

How to Apply This

  1. Avoid giving reasons for what you think you think or do unless it is absolutely necessary
    Keep your goals and ambition to yourself. Instead of spending time and energy talking about what you want to accomplish and how you are going to do so, simply act. There will be plenty of time to talk about your successes once you have achieved them.

  2. Avoid posting excessively on social media
    Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc, are often large sources of distraction, especially for those who are struggling with a certain task or goal. The empty text boxes on the page beckon you to post what’s on your mind. Plus, social media posts are often much more positive than the situation in real life - it’s more “Let me tell you how well things are going” than “I’m stressed, I’m struggling”. Posting on social media simply shifts your focus from the tasks you need to do.

  3. Ignore the impulse to seek recognition before you act.
    The next time you catch yourself wanting to talk about the goals you have yet to achieve, remind yourself that:

    1. *Achieving those goals will bring recognition on its own, and*
    2. *The time and energy you spend talking about these goals could be better used to work towards achieving them*

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