Lego Your Ego

Yes, your ego, not your Eggo. I still remember the Eggo Waffles commercial from when I was a kid and the household advertising phrase most families became familiar with, “lego-my-Eggo”.

One thing I have learned to do and was reminded of recently, was to lego-my-ego, or in simple terms, let go of my ego. Like many ADD’ers, the challenge of ego and narcissism is common. While we can become good at dealing with that challenge and can learn to be a more self aware, we do need to keep this challenge in check.

Ego and narcissism are two very interesting words, so I decided to start with the good folks at Dictionary.com.

The first word is ego (noun, plural egos.) and is defined in six ways, however I like two of their definitions in particular;
1. egotism; conceit; self-importance: Her ego becomes more unbearable each day.
2. self-esteem or self-image; feelings: Your criticism wounded his ego.

The second word is narcissism (narcissism, noun) and is defined as;
1. inordinate fascination with oneself; excessive self-love; vanity.

If you are challenged by ADD or know someone who is, I have found the exercise of self evaluation to be very effective. To be able to step back and look at myself, or review my actions and comment. This process is valuable and important in ensuring the ego does not get in the way. A false sense of being, of who we are is driven by an egotistical state, narcissism if you will.

You may have heard the phrase “check your ego at the door”. It is so true, there is no room inside any building, club, space or social situation for egotism. Narcissism and egotism are typically defense mechanisms for individuals to compensate or cover up a weakness or problem they have. They are afraid.

Behind an ADD’er who displays narcissism and egotism to compensate for a personal weakness or problem, there is a good possibility you will find an ADD’er who desperately wants to express, communicate and have people understand them. Sometimes, people need help and other times, by looking in the mirror the challenge can be overcome.

I encourage you to not only challenge yourself by looking in the mirror, but also to not be afraid to reach out and ask for the help and support of others. That additional external perspective can be educational, progressive, rewarding and humbling.

All this talk of egos has made me hungry!! Time to break out the blueberry Eggos and maple syrup!!

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