How to be less egotistical

... because let's face it, no one likes a self entitled asshat.

Gary Bloomer | SHAKING THE TREE # 223

Countering the ego

That voice in your head whispering:

• "My content is already good enough"

• "The algorithm just doesn't appreciate my genius"

• "Compromise is for sellouts"

That's not your artistic integrity talking: it’s the silent killer of creativity.

The paradox? The creators who produce truly exceptional work are the ones who've learned to quieten that voice. They’ve learned to detach themselves from praise and accolades. They work with a sense of purpose and with what I call constructive humility.

Here’s how to shush that inner voice telling you you’re brilliant:

1. Embrace your "not yet" phase. The myth: great creators are born brilliant
   The reality: every content creation expert was once a disaster. Try this: for your next piece, consciously make one improvement from your last - just one measurable step forward

2. Become a criticism magnet. Praise is candy for your ego - it’s tasty but nutritionally it’s empty. Instead, start seeing criticism as something that’s essential to your growth as a creative. The next time you receive negative feedback, instead of getting defensive, respond with "Tell me more!"

3. The permission to steal (wisely). The best ideas are rarely brand new - they're existing pieces reassembled through your unique perspective. Content creation isn't about manufacturing new raw materials - it's about crafting existing elements into your signature style. Find 3 creators you admire and analyze their work like a detective. What makes their content click?

4. Measure what actually matters. Vanity metrics feed your ego, but skill metrics feed your growth. Keep a "progress journal" tracking things like:

• Focus on improving the clarity of your messaging, enhancing the engagement quality (not just quantity) of your work, and build up your own satisfaction with the work.

5. Serve before you shine. Egotistical content says "Look at me". Impactful content asks "How can I help?"

   Try this handy filter test. Before publishing, ask "Would someone pay for this insight?"

The beautiful side effects of humility are that you accidentally become one worth following when you stop worrying about looking like an expert and when you embrace being a perpetual student.

Your turn: What's one area where your ego might be holding you back? (I read every reply)

As always, thanks for reading.

—Gary

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P.S. If you found this useful, share it with another creator who needs an ego check (in a nice way). Want more unfiltered takes on content creation? Join my newsletter. No fluff, just the stuff that works.

Next time on Shaking the Tree: Content lessons from honeybees

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Originally from the U.K., Gary Bloomer is a writer, branding advocate, marketing specialist, and an award-winning graphic designer.
His design work has been included in Creative Review (one of the UK’s largest design magazines). Since 2009, he has answered over 5,000 marketing and business questions in the Know-How Exchange of MarketingProfs.com, placing him among the top 3% of contributors. He lives in Wilmington, Delaware, USA.