Navigating our spiritual journey isn’t always an easy task, especially when our ego gets in the way.
Now, don’t get me wrong, having an ego isn’t a bad thing. It’s part of being human. But when it starts to dominate our life, it can hinder our spiritual growth.
In this journey, recognizing the signs can be the first step towards enlightenment. So let’s dig into it and explore eight clear indicators that your ego might just be standing in your way of spiritual progression.
Keep reading to see if any of these signs resonate with you. Because understanding these signs might be the push you need to move forward in your spiritual journey.
1) You’re not open to other perspectives
One of the most glaring signs that your ego might be hindering your spiritual growth is an inability to accept other viewpoints.
Spirituality, at its core, is about openness and understanding. It’s about accepting that we are part of a larger universe and that there are many different ways to interpret and interact with that universe.
When your ego takes the driver’s seat, it can often lead to a narrow-minded perspective. You might start thinking that your beliefs are superior, or that anyone who disagrees with you is wrong.
This isn’t just detrimental to your spiritual growth, it’s also counterproductive. Because part of growing spiritually involves broadening our horizons and learning to empathize with others.
So if you notice that you’re reluctant to consider other perspectives or new ideas, it might be time to take a step back and reassess. That could be your ego trying to hold you back from progressing on your spiritual journey.
2) You’re constantly comparing yourself to others
Another tell-tale sign that your ego is getting in the way of your spiritual journey? You’re constantly comparing yourself to others.
I remember a time when I was obsessed with this. I would look at my friends, my colleagues, even people I barely knew, and compare my spiritual progress to theirs.
“Jane meditates for two hours every day. Am I doing enough?” “John seems so enlightened, why can’t I reach that level?”
These thoughts were incessant, and they were hindering my progress. Instead of focusing on my own journey, I was too busy looking at everyone else’s.
But spirituality isn’t a competition. It’s not about who can meditate the longest or who has the most crystals. It’s about finding inner peace and understanding your place in the universe.
Once I realized this, I was able to let go of those comparisons and focus on my own path. It was liberating. And it made me realize just how much my ego had been holding me back.
So if you find yourself stuck on this comparison treadmill, it might be time to hop off and refocus on your own journey.
3) You’re unable to accept criticism
Criticism, when given constructively, can be a powerful tool for growth. However, when the ego is too large, it can make accepting criticism difficult or even impossible.
The ego often ties our self-worth to our achievements or abilities. So any criticism can feel like a direct attack on our identity. This can trigger defensiveness and denial, which block the opportunity for growth.
A study from the University of Akron found that people with high ego sensitivity, who are more affected by criticism, tend to be less willing to accept their faults and make changes. This unwillingness to accept criticism can stagnate our spiritual growth.
We must learn to see criticism as a means of improvement rather than an attack on our identity. It is only then that we can truly grow and evolve on our spiritual journey.
4) You’re overly self-focused
Being self-aware is crucial for spiritual growth. However, there’s a difference between self-awareness and being overly self-focused.
When your ego is in control, you might find yourself caught up in your own thoughts, feelings, and experiences, to the point where it’s hard to see beyond yourself. This self-focus can make us blind to the experiences and feelings of others.
Spiritual growth is inherently connected to our relationship with the world around us. It’s about understanding our place in the universe and how we relate to others and the world at large.
Being overly self-focused can hinder this understanding. It narrows our perspective and prevents us from connecting on a deeper level with others.
If you notice that your thoughts are mostly about “me” and “my,” it could be a sign that your ego is hindering your spiritual growth. Recognizing this pattern is the first step towards shifting your focus and growing spiritually.
5) You struggle with forgiveness
Forgiveness is a central tenet of many spiritual practices, yet it’s one of the hardest things to do when our ego is in control.
When someone hurts us, our ego wants to hold onto that pain. It wants to build walls and protect us from ever being hurt again. But in doing so, it keeps us trapped in a cycle of pain and resentment.
Forgiveness, on the other hand, is about letting go. It’s about releasing that resentment and opening ourselves up to healing. It’s not about forgetting what happened or saying it was okay. It’s about choosing peace over pain.
Yet, this can feel almost impossible when our ego is pulling the strings.
If you find yourself holding on to grudges or struggling to forgive, it might be a sign that your ego is in the way. Because true spiritual growth often involves forgiveness, even when it feels hard. It’s not an easy path, but it’s one that leads to peace and healing.
6) You’re driven by fear
Fear is a powerful motivator. It can push us to do things we might not otherwise do. But when it starts to dictate our actions and decisions, it can become a sign that our ego is in control.
There was a time when fear was at the helm of my life. Fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of not being good enough. These fears held me back from taking risks, from stepping outside my comfort zone, and from truly embracing my spiritual journey.
The ego thrives on fear. It uses it to keep us safe and comfortable. But spiritual growth often requires us to step into the unknown, to face our fears, and to take risks.
If you find yourself making decisions based on fear rather than love or curiosity, it might be a sign that your ego is in control. Remember, every step we take towards facing our fears is a step towards spiritual growth.
7) You’re always chasing validation
Feeling validated is a human need. We all want to be recognized and appreciated for our efforts. However, when the need for validation starts dictating your actions, it might be a sign that your ego is calling the shots.
The ego has an insatiable appetite for validation. It constantly seeks recognition and praise to affirm its worth. But in the pursuit of external validation, we often lose sight of our inherent worth.
Spiritual growth is about recognizing our intrinsic value, independent of external validation. It’s about understanding that our worth isn’t determined by others’ opinions or approval.
If you find yourself constantly seeking validation or feeling unfulfilled without it, it’s time to check in with your ego. Because true spiritual growth comes from within, not from the approval of others.
8) You resist change
Change is inevitable. It’s a part of life and a crucial aspect of spiritual growth. When we resist change, it’s often a sign that our ego is holding us back.
The ego likes familiarity and predictability. It finds comfort in the known and resists anything that disturbs its equilibrium. But spiritual growth requires us to embrace change and uncertainty.
Change allows us to learn, grow, and evolve. It gives us the opportunity to break free from old patterns and beliefs that no longer serve us.
If you find yourself resisting change or clinging to the familiar, it’s time to reassess. Because embracing change is not just part of life, it’s an essential part of our spiritual journey.
Final thoughts: It’s about balance
The journey of spiritual growth is a delicate dance between our ego and our higher self.
At its core, the ego isn’t our enemy. It’s a part of us, an essential aspect of our human experience. But like everything in life, it’s about finding a balance.
Buddhist philosophy talks about the concept of the “Middle Way”, a path of moderation away from the extremes of self-indulgence and self-mortification. It’s about recognizing and understanding our ego without letting it control us.
If you’ve identified with any of these signs, don’t be hard on yourself. Awareness is the first step towards change. And every step, no matter how small, brings you closer to spiritual growth.
In this journey, remember to be patient and kind to yourself. After all, spiritual growth isn’t a destination but a lifelong process. And each one of us is beautifully and uniquely unfolding on this journey at our own pace.
