Sadhguru says the ego builds walls where bridges are needed; true success flows from connection, not isolation. Success requires adaptability, but ego clings to the past, resisting the very change needed for progress.
Article | January 19, 1989
Sadhguru: In the pursuit of materialistic success, whether in career, business, or personal life, ego can be a formidable obstacle. While many view ego as a driver of ambition and success, in reality, it can hinder growth, adaptability, and meaningful achievement. Ego, when unchecked, fosters a narrow, self-centred perspective that blinds individuals to the larger picture, alienates them from others, and prevents them from evolving. Let’s explore how the ego acts as a barrier to material success.
1. Lack of Self-Awareness
One of the most significant ways ego disrupts material success is by preventing self-awareness. The ego creates a distorted view of reality, causing individuals to overestimate their abilities and underestimate their flaws. People who operate from ego often ignore their shortcomings and refuse to acknowledge areas where they need improvement. In a professional setting, this lack of self-awareness limits their growth because they become resistant to learning and personal development.
For example, a business leader driven by ego might refuse to admit when they are wrong or fail to see when their decisions are not yielding positive outcomes. This blindness to one's own errors prevents learning from failure, a crucial aspect of growth and success. In contrast, successful individuals understand that self-awareness is key to improvement. They are open to constructive criticism and take a proactive approach to refining their skills and strategies.
2. Resistance to Feedback
Ego often makes individuals defensive when faced with feedback, especially if the feedback highlights their mistakes or areas for improvement. The ego perceives feedback as a threat to its self-constructed image of perfection or superiority. As a result, individuals may reject advice, critique, or constructive criticism, even when it is intended to help them grow.
In a professional context, leaders and employees who cannot accept feedback often stagnate in their roles. Instead of seeing feedback as an opportunity for growth, they perceive it as an attack on their competence. This resistance to feedback prevents them from making necessary adjustments that could improve their performance or help them advance in their careers. On the other hand, those who are open to feedback and willing to learn from others typically rise more quickly because they are constantly evolving and adapting.
The ego builds walls where bridges are needed; true success flows from connection, not isolation.
3. Inflexibility and Rigidity
The ego is inherently rigid. It attaches itself to fixed ideas, beliefs, and ways of doing things, and resists change because change threatens the ego’s sense of control. However, in the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of business and industry, flexibility is one of the most valuable traits. The ability to adapt to new situations, embrace innovation, and evolve with market trends is critical for success.
Ego-driven individuals often find themselves struggling to keep up with changes in their field because they cling to old strategies and refuse to innovate. Their rigidity prevents them from exploring new methods, technologies, or approaches that could propel them to success. Companies and individuals who do not evolve with the times eventually fall behind, while those who embrace change thrive.
4. Destructive Competition
The ego thrives on competition, comparison, and the need to "win." While healthy competition can motivate individuals to strive for excellence, ego-driven competition can be destructive. It leads people to view their peers or colleagues as threats rather than potential collaborators. In the quest to outdo others and maintain their sense of superiority, ego-driven individuals may engage in unethical behaviour or sabotage relationships.
In a business context, this destructive competition can lead to strained partnerships, poor teamwork, and even corporate scandals. For example, an employee consumed by ego may undercut a coworker’s efforts to take credit for their achievements or deliberately withhold valuable information to ensure their success. Such behaviours ultimately harm not only the individual but also the organization as a whole.
Successful individuals and businesses, on the other hand, recognize the value of collaboration over competition. They understand that building strong networks, fostering teamwork, and helping others succeed can lead to mutual benefits and long-term growth.
When ego drives ambition, it clouds judgment, making even the clearest path to success difficult to see.
5. Fear of Failure
The ego is deeply afraid of failure because it equates failure with personal inadequacy. Ego-driven individuals often avoid risks or challenges that could lead to failure because they fear that failure will damage their image or self-esteem. This fear of failure leads to risk aversion, which can stifle innovation, creativity, and progress.
In the business world, taking calculated risks is essential for success. Many of the most successful entrepreneurs and leaders have experienced multiple failures before achieving success. They see failure not as a reflection of their worth, but as a stepping stone to growth. By contrast, individuals whose egos prevent them from taking risks miss out on opportunities for innovation and progress.
Moreover, the fear of failure can lead to paralysis, preventing individuals from taking action altogether. They may become overly cautious, second-guessing every decision and missing out on the bold moves that could lead to breakthroughs. Successful individuals, on the other hand, embrace failure as part of the journey and learn valuable lessons from their mistakes.
6. Alienating Others
Ego-driven individuals often alienate others through arrogance, entitlement, or condescension. In the workplace, this can manifest as poor leadership, a lack of empathy, or an inability to work effectively with others. When people operate from ego, they often prioritize their own needs, desires, and recognition over the well-being of the team or the organization.
This self-centeredness creates a toxic work environment, leading to poor morale, high employee turnover, and strained relationships. In contrast, effective leaders and successful individuals understand the importance of fostering positive relationships, practising empathy, and putting the needs of the team ahead of personal ego. They recognize that success is rarely achieved alone and that collaboration, mutual respect, and teamwork are essential components of sustainable success.
Ego's greatest deception is that it pretends to be the key to success while quietly locking the door to growth.
7. Overconfidence and Overreach
While confidence is an important trait for achieving success, overconfidence — fueled by ego — can lead to poor decision-making and overreach. Ego-driven individuals may overestimate their abilities or take on projects or responsibilities that they are not equipped to handle. This overconfidence can lead to significant failures, as they neglect to properly assess risks, consider alternative viewpoints, or seek advice from others.
For example, a business owner may expand their company too quickly, driven by ego and the desire for rapid success, without considering the financial or logistical challenges involved. This overreach can lead to significant setbacks or even the collapse of the business. Successful individuals, on the other hand, strike a balance between confidence and humility. They assess their abilities realistically and make informed decisions based on careful planning and consideration.
8. Inability to Build Trust
Trust is one of the most important foundations of success, especially in business. Ego-driven individuals often struggle to build trust because their actions are perceived as self-serving. When people are motivated primarily by ego, others may question their intentions, motives, and reliability. This lack of trust can make it difficult to form strong, lasting partnerships or to inspire loyalty in employees or clients.
Building trust requires transparency, authenticity, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others — traits that the ego often lacks. Successful individuals and leaders understand that trust is earned through consistent, ethical behaviour and a focus on mutual benefit, not just personal gain.
Ego fears failure so much that it paralyzes action, while the truly successful embrace risks as stepping stones.
Conclusion
The ego, when left unchecked, acts as a significant barrier to material success. By blinding individuals to their flaws, making them resistant to feedback, and fostering destructive competition, the ego prevents the kind of growth, adaptability, and collaboration necessary for long-term success. Additionally, the ego’s fear of failure, rigidity, and overconfidence further limit one's potential for achievement.
True material success requires individuals to move beyond ego. By cultivating self-awareness, embracing feedback, fostering collaboration, and overcoming the fear of failure, individuals can unlock their full potential and achieve meaningful, sustainable success. The key to overcoming the ego lies in recognizing its limitations and developing the humility, adaptability, and openness necessary to grow both personally and professionally.
