Reading time: 1 minute

Often, when we talk about a person who is ‘full of himself,’ the individual is consumed by ego and self-centeredness.

This egoism can blind individuals to their surroundings, causing them to neglect their responsibilities to others and themselves.

It leads to carelessness, as the only perspective we consider is our own.

This attitude often lands us in trouble, putting us on a path of regret and missed opportunities.

An interesting illustration of this predicament can be found in an old Egyptian proverb: " Empty your mind of your ego.”

This proverb exhorts us to release the hold of egoism on one’s thinking, an ego that blinds us to our faults and prevents us from learning from others.

It reminds us to be vigilant and mindful of our potential to be consumed by our self-perception.

The journey towards the emptiness of ego is not an easy one.

It requires continuous self-reflection, humility, and acceptance that we do not automatically deserve praise or success.

Our culture often conditions us to seek validation and esteem, and this extends even to our children, who are now celebrated for mere participation rather than significant achievement.

However, an essential facet of our spiritual development is striving for excellence.

This drive does not denote societal recognition or an inflated self-image but an effort to get closer to Allah.

Striving for excellence is about experiencing the Divine in our lives. And that requires patience and perseverance.

We often crave immediate results and abhor the painstaking process of self-improvement, forgetting that authentic spiritual progress requires sacrifice and hard work.

Instead of craving ceaseless praise and validation, we need to focus on self-improvement and humility, understanding that true worth lies in our character, actions, and connection to the Divine, not in shallow markers of self-esteem.

Put in the work, tolerate the trials, and stay committed to this path of self-effacement for success in this life and the one to come.