Incredible India monthly contest of October #1| Ego vs Self-confidence!

Hi Steemit community,

I know I’m late for this contest, but this topic really touched me. Ego vs Self-confidence. It made me sit with myself for a while. I didn’t want to just write for writing sake I wanted to feel it, because these two things have really shown up in my life in different ways.

Let me be honest, there was a time I couldn’t tell the difference between ego and self-confidence. I thought they were the same. But with time, life happened. I started seeing things differently.

Ego, to me, is loud. It always wants to prove a point. It wants to win every argument. It can’t handle being wrong. It’s the voice in your head saying “Don’t let them talk to you like that.” “You must show them.” But deep down, it’s fear. It’s protecting itself from being exposed or embarrassed.

Confidence, on the other hand, is quiet. It doesn’t shout. It doesn’t need to drag or argue. It just knows. It says, “I’m enough, and I don’t need to prove it to anyone.” Confidence allows you to walk away from things that don’t serve you. Ego will drag you to fight battles that aren’t worth it.

Let me give a personal example.

I run a small business, and one time someone priced my product and said something like, “This one no even fine reach for this price.” Immediately, I felt ego rise up in my chest. I wanted to reply and explain why my item was worth that amount. But something told me to calm down. I remembered that I’m not for everybody, and not everybody will understand my work. That calmness — that was confidence. The old me, the ego-driven me, would’ve typed a long reply just to prove I’m right.

I’ve also seen ego ruin friendships. There was a time I had a fallout with someone close to me, and I waited for them to apologize first. They were waiting for me too. Both of us had ego. But deep down, I missed the person. Confidence would’ve made me speak up and say how I felt without feeling “weak.” But ego kept me quiet. Till today, we’re still not close like before. And I wish I handled it better.

So yes, I believe ego should be kept in check. It can destroy so much if you’re not careful. It pushes people away, blocks growth, and keeps you stuck in a place of always wanting to “look” right instead of “being” real.

Confidence, on the other hand, is something I’m learning to build slowly. It’s in the way I carry myself now. The way I talk about my dreams, even when they’re not big yet. The way I accept compliments without feeling shy. The way I own my mistakes and say, “I messed up,” and then try again.

I don’t think ego is completely bad sometimes it shows up because we’ve been hurt or we’re trying to protect ourselves. But we have to know when to let it go. We have to know when to breathe, humble ourselves, and say, “Maybe I’m wrong,” or “Maybe this isn’t worth the fight.”

Confidence brings peace. Ego brings pressure.

At this stage in my life, I’m choosing peace. I want to be bold, but not rude. I want to be strong, but still soft. I want to grow, and I know I can’t do that if ego is always in the way.

So to answer the question, yes ego should be rejected if it’s blocking our growth. And confidence should be built every day, even if it’s small. Even if it’s shaky sometimes. Because with confidence, we can rise, fall, and still stand tall.

…And if I’m being honest, writing this felt like therapy.

There were even times I thought I was being confident, but looking back, I was just being proud. I used to shut people out thinking, “They don’t get me.” But the truth was, I didn’t want to hear anything that would challenge me. That wasn’t confidence that was ego pretending to be strength.

Confidence listens. Ego talks too much.

Confidence allows you to learn from others. Ego will make you act like you know everything even when you’re confused.

One thing I’ve learned is that real confidence is quiet. You don’t always need to speak. Sometimes, your presence, your actions, your calmness, they speak louder. And when you're really confident, you don't tear others down to feel better.

In friendships, relationships, even business I've started checking myself. Before I react, I ask: "Is this ego or confidence?" It’s not easy, but it helps me respond better. I don't want to lose good people again because of ego. I want to be someone who’s sure of themselves but still open-minded and teachable.

To anyone struggling with this balance like I was, just know it’s okay to outgrow ego. It’s okay to choose peace. That’s real strength. That’s real growth.
Thank you for reading this. I may be late for the contest, but I’m glad I shared this from my heart. Maybe someone needed it.

Thank you for reading my post!
Inviting @davidmarkgeorge @imohmitch @etoro