Ego Is What Prevents You From Self-Sovereignty

As an observer of human nature, I find the world full of intriguing paradoxes. One of the most fascinating is the individuals who claim to be leaders—or even label themselves as self-described lone wolves—preaching self-sovereignty while living daily lives fueled by ego and hate.

I can already imagine you thinking that this description applies to someone else and not to you. But I challenge you to reflect on how ego might be showing up in your own daily life.

It can show up as you judging someone.

It can show up as a rulebook for how someone should live, according to you.

It can show up as hatred toward a group in society based on some label you’ve assigned them.

It can show up as believing you are better than someone else because of your “status”—whether that be your title, income bracket, relationship status, or otherwise.

It can show up in how you assume what others think of you, without any real evidence.

It can show up when you're short with someone or use cutting words or actions.

It can show up as telling others what they should value.

It can show up in the expectations you place on how others should act, what they should say, or who they should be.

It can show up when you place yourself as the "middleman" or rulebook between God, Buddha, Allah, the Universe—and an individual’s direct connection to them.

I could spend a lot of time mapping out examples of ego-based thoughts and actions, but you get the gist. I'll leave you with a question to reflect on: How does ego show up for you?

"When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be."— Lao Tzu

What I find incredibly interesting is the widespread misbelief that when someone is acting through the lens of ego, they are in control. In truth, they have zero control over themselves. They are deluding themselves into thinking that exerting control over others is a form of self-sovereignty. It is, in fact, the exact opposite.

Self-sovereignty is the mastery of your own emotions and the radical acceptance of yourself. By its very nature, it means you have no need to control the emotions or actions of others. You don’t require validation, recognition, or to be seen as the expert. You are rooted in your inherent worth and recognize it in every cell of your being.

From that place of self-sovereignty, you have nothing to prove. You are fully capable of accepting others as they are. You have no need for approval, accolades, or roles that affirm your value. You understand the profound truth that every human being has their own path.

While those paths may be interconnected, when you master your ego, your self-sovereignty honors the freedom to choose exactly how you show up—and to what extent those paths remain connected. The only limit to what you do or say is your authentic self. And that is true self-sovereignty.