Life in Balance: Amit Chaudhary’s Blog
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Self-Acceptance vs. Personal Growth by Steve Pavlina

Snippets:
Trying to apply the linear mindset to your self-image creates the conflict between self-acceptance and growth.  Instead of merely measuring various aspects of your life and noting how they change over time, you identify with them.  I am richer than I was last year.  I am more depressed than I used to be.  I went from being a telemarketer to being a sales manager.

When you identify with the positional aspects of your life, you pull your ego into the picture.  Your sense of self then becomes dependent on your particular position.

We all experience setbacks.  It’s only a matter of time.  If your self-esteem is based on your position, then you’ll suffer greatly when your position declines.  What would it do to your self-esteem if you lost all your money?  What if you gained 50 lbs?  What if your life mate dumped you?  If you lose your position, will you lose your sense of self?
and

If you find yourself succumbing to the ego-position trap, add some practices to your life like meditation, journaling, time with kids, time in nature, and so on.  This will help you reconnect with what’s most sacred to you (your own version of true north principles) and keep your identity separate from your position.  Then you can experience drive without attachment, ambition without ego, and peace without passivity.