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All 16 learnings · one per slide
Ego Is the
Enemy
Ryan Holiday, in bytes
16 key learnings on how ego sabotages us when we aspire, succeed and fail.
16 learnings · ~40 sec eachSwipe →
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Ego Is the Enemy, in bytes
16 key learnings from Ryan Holiday's book on recognising and managing ego across three stages: aspiration, success and failure. Each takes about 40 seconds to read. Swipe, use the arrows, or your keyboard.
Ego Is the
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Learning 1 · Introduction
What Ego Is
The idea
Holiday defines ego as an unhealthy belief in our own importance, which blocks learning and growth.
Takeaway
Ego isn't confidence; it's arrogance.
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Learning 2 · Aspire
Talk Less, Do More
The idea
Talking about goals can feel like progress and drain motivation to do the work.
Try this
Keep a new project quiet until you have something to show.
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Learning 3 · Aspire
Be a Student
The idea
Always find someone to learn from, peers to challenge you and people to teach.
Takeaway
Stay a student, however senior you get.
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Learning 4 · Aspire
Don't Be Passionate
The idea
Holiday argues passion can blind us; purpose and realism serve better.
Takeaway
Purpose over passion.
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Learning 5 · Aspire
To Be or To Do
The idea
Holiday cites military strategist John Boyd's choice: be somebody, or do something that matters.
Reflect
Are you chasing status or meaningful work?
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Learning 6 · Aspire
Work, Work, Work
The idea
Passion is less useful than purpose and hard, steady work.
Takeaway
Results come from effort, not enthusiasm.
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Learning 7 · Aspire
Follow the Canvas Strategy
The idea
Help others succeed, clearing paths for them, rather than seeking credit.
Try this
Make someone else look good this week.
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Learning 8 · Success
Success Breeds Ego
The idea
After success, ego tells you rules don't apply and you've stopped needing to learn.
Spot it
Feeling entitled to more because of past wins.
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Learning 9 · Success
Always Stay a Student
The idea
Even after success, keep learning.
Takeaway
Arrival is an illusion.
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Learning 10 · Success
Know What Matters
The idea
Decide what's truly important, and don't chase every opportunity or comparison.
Takeaway
Enough is a powerful word.
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Learning 11 · Success
Beware the Disease of Me
The idea
Success can make people feel entitled and self-important.
Spot it
Expecting special treatment.
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Learning 12 · Success
Managing Yourself
The idea
As responsibility grows, organise and delegate rather than control everything.
Takeaway
Leadership is about systems, not ego.
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Learning 13 · Failure
Failure Tests Ego
The idea
When things go wrong, ego blames others. Humility learns and recovers.
Try this
After a setback, ask what part was yours, and what you'll do next.
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Learning 14 · Failure
Alive Time or Dead Time
The idea
When stuck, use the time to learn and prepare, rather than just waiting.
Takeaway
Make downtime count.
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Learning 15 · Failure
Draw the Line
The idea
Know when to cut losses rather than let ego keep you fighting a lost battle.
Takeaway
Your worth isn't your last result.
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Learning 16 · Failure
Maintain Your Own Scorecard
The idea
Judge yourself by your own standards, not external results alone.
Takeaway
Effort and integrity are within your control.
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All 16 learnings complete
That’s all 16 learnings.
Ego tells you you've arrived. Where do you need to stay a student?
Abhay Kumar JaiswalFCA · PMP® · Workday Financeabhayjaiswal.com
Summaries in my own words. Read the book for the full stories.
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Summaries are written in my own words for learning. Read Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday (2016) for the full stories. More Books in Bytes