Self esteem or ego?

When does the positivity of self esteem transcend to the negativity of ego? Many of us will have experienced ego driven actions at some point, either as the creator or the receiver, even without us being consciously aware. But it can be very beneficial to our long term happiness if we are aligned to values built upon a healthy self esteem rather than ego.

We can say that self esteem is developed around three thoughts. The thought of what I can do (abilities), the thought of what I know (knowledge) and the thought of what I have (possessions).

Although the ‘cut off point‘ where self esteem becomes ego is not definitive, we understand that the shift materialises when these 3 key thoughts are then compared to other people, and we come out favourably i.e. I can do more, I know more or I have more. This comparison is mostly performed at a subconsious level.

There is of course nothing wrong with being more able, having more or being smarter than others, but in the context of self esteem, this should arise from not identifying with things of form or material.

The ego driven mindset is problematic because the self worth and value are dependent on others being less able, knowing less or having less. It is not a satisfying basis for who we are in the long term, as once we are no longer able to outthink, or out perform or out posses someone else, suffering follows.

The sense of worthiness and true power comes from the awareness that form is in yourself; we can enjoy an enormous sense of worthiness and power but it is not comparative to others, and not more than.