1. Notice your self-defence mechanism
Action
When you feel defensive, pause and ask:
- Why am I reacting without understanding the matter?
Why it works
Ego reveals itself through emotional urgency, not logic. Awareness interrupts automatic defense
2. Separate identity from opinion
Try to separate your opinion from your identity
Action
Replace internal language:
- “I am right” with “This is my current opinion on this matter”
- While offering your opinion, ask yourself “Is my opinion are grounded on the facts”
Practice this verbally and mentally.
3. Practice being wrong when stakes are low
Action
Deliberately admit small, low-stakes mistakes:
- In conversations
- At work
- In daily decisions
Say: “You’re right, I missed that or I overlooked”
Why it works
The ego fears collapse if it concedes. Repeated safe exposure proves that self-worth survives error.
4. Ego vs Truth
Action
Before responding in discussions, ask:
- Am I trying to appear intelligent, or understand accurately?
Delay response if the motive is to appear intelligent.
Why it works
Ego is performance-oriented. Truth-seeking removes the audience and focuses on core things.
5. Label your emotions
Action
When triggered, name the emotion:
- “I feel embarrassed”
- “I feel inferior”
- “I feel threatened”
Do this silently or in writing.
Why it works
As shown in research, naming emotion reduces its grip and weakens ego.
6.Replace self-justification with curiosity
Action
When criticized, respond with:
- “What makes you see it that way?”
Do not explain yourself immediately.
Why it works
Justification protects ego. Curiosity dissolves it.
7. Accept uncertainty publicly
Action
Use phrases like:
- “I don’t know”
- “I’m not sure yet”
- “I need more information”
Why it works
The ego equates certainty with safety. Comfort with uncertainty reduces its role.
8. Design Ego-Reducing environments
Action
- Reduce social comparison triggers (excessive social media)
- Seek feedback from people who won’t flatter you
Why it works
Ego is situational. Change the environment, reduce the activation.
9. Aware of your ego
Action
When ego arises, internally say:
- “This is an ego response.”
Do nothing else.
Why it works
Fighting the ego strengthens it. Awareness reduces it.
10. Final thoughts
The ego does not disappear. Even spiritual or intellectual identities can become egoistic. As Sigmund Freud observed, the ego is functional—it organizes experience.
The ego lessens not through suppression, but through awareness, emotional safety, and separation of identity from belief. When the need for self-defence drops, ego dominance naturally weakens