Chapter 1: The Role of Ego in Our Choices

The reason many people struggle to achieve their goals often stems from the influence of their ego. It tends to prioritize personal gratification over rational decision-making.

“Rule of thumb: if you think something is clever and sophisticated, beware, it is probably self-indulgence.” – Donald A. Norman, The Design of Everyday Things

Recently, I watched an episode of Fixer Upper featuring Chip and Joanna Gaines. In this episode, they encountered oversized brick planters positioned near the front windows of a house they were renovating.

While aesthetically pleasing, these planters had a significant flaw. They lacked drainage, causing them to overflow when it rained, which subsequently led to water seeping down the house's walls and into the basement.

The designer of these planters failed to apply effective design thinking. Instead of addressing a genuine need—enhancing the home's appearance and boosting property value—they created a flawed solution. This oversight arose from a lack of critical evaluation; they didn’t ask themselves why they believed their design was appropriate.

Ego can easily mislead us by focusing on superficial aspects rather than substantial needs. It often seeks immediate satisfaction, resulting in long-term repercussions not just for ourselves but potentially for others as well.

This situation could have been avoided. Consider the question: Would you have thought to incorporate drainage holes in the planters? Personally, I wouldn’t have, but I would have conducted research to verify whether they were necessary to ensure functionality and value.

Research may not be the most exciting part of any project, but it’s essential. Many of us are eager to jump straight into action, yet without a solid strategy, outcomes can veer off course.

When driven by ego, we tend to take shortcuts, seeking instant gratification. However, slowing down can offer valuable insights. While it may seem counterintuitive, taking time allows for greater clarity and preparation.

Achieving success requires a professional mindset. Taking pride in our work encourages attention to detail and a commitment to quality.

If you find yourself disconnected from your work, it’s crucial to reflect on the underlying causes. Often, this disconnection is rooted in the conflict between ego-driven desires and essential responsibilities.

Indeed, the resistance you may feel towards necessary tasks often stems from your ego. Recognizing that you are not your ego is crucial; it’s like the pot criticizing the kettle. It's akin to opting for a name-brand product over an off-label one, even when both have identical ingredients, simply to appease the ego's need for validation.

If you remain careless, you may conflate your identity with your ego, leading to regret and an insatiable need for more validation.

The antidote lies in cultivating self-awareness. Understand who you are beyond your ego, and take steps to align your actions with your true self.

Be well.

Chapter 2: Awareness as a Solution

In the video "Stop Eating These Foods Now!" viewers are guided on how to make informed dietary choices, emphasizing the importance of awareness in daily decisions.