Most people face challenges that can be solved if they only realize that they're living behind a mask that isn't their true self.

At the root of most of their problems lies the EGO!

The EGO is the one that creates this mask. why? Because of fear.

This mask is your fake self-image—the one that you think you are but aren't.

The real you is buried under all this crap and it's time to remove it.

Why Does the Ego Create This Mask?

Your fake self-image is the layer that your EGO has created for you to protect you from vulnerability and insecurity.

It creates a fake you that appears:

• strong,

• capable,

• and desirable.

These traits aren't inherently bad, the motivation behind them is. The ego does this to avoid:

• pain,

• rejection,

• exposure,

• discomfort,

• and judgment.

It builds a persona that hides its weakness and projects confidence—not for genuine growth, but to protect itself.

The Real Problem

By doing this your ego is running away from reality. Instead of addressing real problems which is not helping you to grow, it's just locking you into a lie.

This mask:

• Acts as a guardian, who protects you from the outside world.

• Detaches you from reality, leading you to believe and idolize a fake persona that's not truly you.

By living as this persona you cannot see the real problem and because you can't see the real problem therefore you cannot find the real solution to address it properly.

This means that by not addressing them properly you are not growing into a better version of yourself. You're pretending to be someone you're not—you're just existing.

The Consequences of Living Behind the Mask

Isn't it sad Just existing and pretending to be someone you're not?

The result?

Not being able to build authentic and strong relationships, but only building hollow ones with no depth because they're being built by someone who it's not you and that someone lacks authenticity.

And you may say, "I'm able to build authentic relationships.", "I'm successful and happy."; Are you really? Do you truly feel successful? Are you truly happy?

Or are you just living with the imposter syndrome?

Pretending to feel and be someone that you're not?

Always looking for validation and approval of others to feel worthy.

Constantly fearing that others will discover the truth about you and realize that you're fake.

Maintaining this façade must be exhausting. I imagine you need to be always vigilant to appear consistent. It sounds draining.

You need to wake up and take control of your life.

You have to fight and win.

How to Escape the Ego’s Prison

The first step is to recognize the truth: You're playing a fictional character.

Now that you know, you MUST escape its prison.

Turn this fake character—ego—from being your master into your servant.

Instead of letting it:

• act,

• think,

• and feel for you

to keep you trapped in this illusion, you can make it work for you and help you accomplish the things you want.

When you tame the "ego" you can use it as a tool for growth and self-mastery rather than a barrier.

Here's how:

1) Know That the Ego Exists

The ego isn't inherently bad. It's a survival mechanism.

When you understand its patterns, you can use it as a helper rather than your master.

2) Change its Focus

Instead of allowing the ego to create a fake self-image make it work for your benefit supporting your true self.

Make it aligned with your values and purpose to help you achieve meaningful things instead of just seeking superficial things and validation from others.

3) Practice Humility

The biggest enemy of the ego is humility because by being humble instead of the ego seeking and focusing on superiority it focuses on serving and contributing to others.

This keeps you with an open mind because you won't feel like you know it all which allows you to learn from others and grow without the fear of failure and judgment.

4) Redirect the Ego

Instead of allowing the ego to seek recognition and desire, shift its energy into:

• Mastering skills

• Helping others

• and Pursuing meaningful work

This will help you be the authentic you, rather than just someone who's seeking approval from others.

5) Stay Mindful

Always keep your ego in check because it will often try to come back to reclaim control.

Constantly cultivate mindfulness by doing this you will always be humble—will have a clear mind to think clearly and ask the right questions when you start to notice that it wants to come back like:

• "Is this about me?"

• "Or Is it about serving others and my purpose?"

6) Partner With the Ego

Don't destroy it—integrate it and make it your best friend.

Make it someone who is aligned with your higher self who provides:

• Focus

• Ambition

• Resilience

You can achieve this by balancing its tendencies with:

• Gratitude

• Compassion

• Self-awareness

Conclusion

The ego doesn't have to dominate your life.

Instead, notice it and tame it into someone you can use for your benefit rather than your enemy. When tamed, it can become your tool for self-actualization, enabling you to live:

• Humbly

• Purposefully

• Authentically

If you’ve read this far, don’t forget to subscribe to my weekly newsletter, where I’ll help you become wiser and healthier.

Follow me on X for practical tips and random thoughts.

Thank you,

Oscar