22-Aug-2010

No Claim No Blame

Don't Play the Ego Game

In every situation in life, you have a choice. Whether deciding on what to have for lunch or if you should take that job clear across the country, remember the most important thing is to remain unattached to the outcome. Look at the other option. If you make a “claim” to the taste of a recipe, you have an expectation as to the result of your endeavor. You identify with the success or failure. But what if the cake doesn’t rise? Are you going to get upset? What if it’s totally delicious? Does that mean you are such hot stuff you can push others around in the kitchen?

Separating yourself from the results removes the ego’s territorial obsessions. Not only will you be kinder to yourself, you’ll also see that there’s no need to blame others for not meeting your expectations. The ego is your inner know-it-all, and it always wants to assert itself. Remembering humility, if only in the face of what you don’t know (and can’t claim), frees you from the game that only the ego can win.

Recommended: Beyond Blame: Freeing Yourself from the Most Toxic Form of Emotional Bullsh*t