Why do so many successful people self-destruct?

We’re all locked in a battle against the ego. It’s the one force that threatens to throw our life out of balance. And if you think success or experience keeps you safe from its pull, you’re wrong. Here’s why...

Self-interest is the root of almost every problem. It prevents learning, disguises flaws, and makes failure inevitable. But we can overcome it by adopting the right mindset.

A clear purpose is better than any amount of passion. Passion is energy without focus, hype without action. Purpose, meanwhile, is like passion with boundaries. It lets the work speak for itself and embraces progress as its own reward.

Nobody wants to think that others are better and more capable than us, or that we still have a lot to learn. But in reality, life always has something to teach us. Presuming otherwise only holds us back. An honest view of your talents is a key step towards mastery in any field.

Humble people carefully avoid assumptions. Instead, they focus on constant improvement. See yourself as a student of life and you won’t have to worry about stagnation.

Remember that there will always be challenges ahead, no matter what. These moments call for the art of restraint: a vital skill that lets us endure adversity, brush off annoyances, and keep pushing toward goals.

Sometimes the most successful people seem to have got where they are through sheer energy and enthusiasm. But this is an illusion. To be truly in command of your path requires a sober outlook. Only then can you see clearly.

The fear that failure will make us look bad means we shy away from risks. That’s the ego talking. It avoids criticism, which only cuts us off from reality.

Humility lets us see the difference between our work and our identity. It uses failure as a springboard to success. That means being open and present with whatever we’re doing, rather than worrying about validation or threats to our identity.

TL;DR: Being able to objectively assess our strengths and weaknesses is crucial to lasting success. It may seem counterintuitive, but when we are fortunate enough to taste real success, that's when the ability to absorb feedback and keep learning matters more than ever.