Keep your ego in check

Stoic Thinking · Intermediate

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Cultivate a learner's humility so you keep growing: work without announcing it, and value truth over applause.

Micro-habits to get started

Small actions of a few minutes to start this habit:

Do, don't announce

Talk less about your plans and put that energy into carrying them out. Let the results speak.

Telling people what you're going to do gives you a reward that drains the urge to do it.
1 min
A learner's mindset

Remind yourself there's always plenty left to learn, especially when things are going well.

Success is when the ego is most dangerous: we stop improving once we think we've arrived.
1 min
Be grateful for criticism

Seek out or accept an opinion that contradicts you, and value it above comfortable praise.

Look for the truth, not for being right.
2 min