It gets defensive.

It hates criticism. It’s constantly telling you why you’re so great and how others fail to see your genius.

It speaks to you all day, making sure you get bogged down by your own thoughts.

It absolutely hates it when you recognize it for what it is and the damage it’s causing you. It will find a way to hide, then come out and slowly start whispering in your ear again.

It wants to let you know the world owes you a favour. It can’t stand not being recognized.

It stops you from doing important work. Work that matters. Work that may go unappreciated in your lifetime.

It stops you from giving yourself to others.

It stops you from a full life.

Shut the ego up.