"Nunca dejes que tu ego se acerque tanto a tu posición que cuando tu posición se vaya, tu ego se vaya con ella."

Sometimes, we define ourselves by what we do—our jobs, our titles, our roles. That’s the essence of the quote: don’t tie your self-worth to your position. If your job changes or disappears, it shouldn’t take your sense of self down with it.

This idea is crucial because positions are temporary. They can be taken away due to various reasons—company restructuring, economic downturns, personal decisions, or even retirement. If your ego is too closely intertwined with a position, you’ll feel lost and devastated when the position is no longer yours. This concept was notably discussed in leadership circles, and it’s particularly important for those at the top who might face such changes abruptly.

Take the example of a CEO of a major corporation. Imagine Sarah, who worked her way up the ranks over 20 years. Her identity became entangled with being the CEO—every introduction, every social interaction revolved around her title. Suddenly, the company merges, and Sarah is ousted. If Sarah’s ego was too wrapped up in her CEO role, she might feel not just professionally displaced, but personally shattered. She might struggle to find worth outside of being “Sarah, the CEO.”

So, how can you avoid this pitfall? Start by recognizing that your position is a part of you, but it doesn’t define you entirely. Think about the other roles you play—perhaps you're a parent, a friend, a volunteer, an artist. Invest time and energy in these areas too. This way, if one role fades, others remain to support your sense of self.

Another practical step is to cultivate humility and adaptability. Approach your position with the mindset that it’s a privilege, not an entitlement. When you achieve something, acknowledge the contributions of your team or the support system around you. Understand that losing a position doesn’t mean losing value; it’s an opportunity to pivot and grow in new directions.

Imagine you're sitting with your best friend at your favorite coffee shop. You're discussing the ups and downs of work, and your friend tells you about a colleague who just lost their job and is struggling to cope. This person had let their ego inflate to the point where their job was their entire identity. Think about how you’d advise your friend to support their colleague. You might suggest focusing on their passions outside of work, reconnecting with hobbies, or even seeking professional help to navigate the emotional turbulence.

Let’s say you’re in a similar boat—your job’s been your world, and now it’s gone. How do you move forward? Start small. Pick up an old hobby, or try something new. Engage with people outside of your professional circle. Volunteer for something that has always interested you but you never had time for. Remember, we’re multifaceted creatures with the capacity to reinvent ourselves.

In the end, it’s about maintaining a healthy distance between who you are and what you do. Don’t let your ego become a hostage to your position. Keep it flexible, humble, and resilient. By doing so, you’ll be better prepared to weather the storms of change and come out stronger on the other side.