In Episode 112: In Ego is the Enemy, Ryan Holiday sought to answer questions about what to do when the biggest obstacle is internal. Holiday explains how finding early successes led him to the realization that ego can cloud ambition and hinder personal and professional growth, particularly when accomplishments are tied to self-worth.
Ego Is the Enemy puts forth the argument that often our biggest problems are not caused by external factors such as other people or circumstances. Instead, our problems stem from our own attitude, selfishness, and self-absorption. In other words, introducing ego into a situation often prevents us from being rational, objective, and clear-headed.
The goal of this book is “to restore Stoicism to its rightful place as a tool in the pursuit of self-mastery, perseverance, and wisdom.” From how to manage failure to get what you want, the ideas continue to be vitally relevant to today's doers and thinkers.