Ego vs. Impact: Why Your Work Might Be More About You Than You Think

Let’s get real for a minute.

In a world where everyone’s “building a brand,” speaking on panels, going viral, and chasing visibility like its currency, it’s easy to mistake noise for meaning. But deep down, many of us are asking the same quiet question:

Am I truly making a difference—or just feeding my ego?

I’m not here to shame anyone. I’ve asked myself this question more times than I can count. Especially as someone in creative and professional development spaces, where the line between authenticity and self-promotion can blur fast. But if we don’t pause and check our motives, we can end up building platforms with no real foundation.

What Ego Looks Like in Disguise

Ego isn’t always loud or obvious. Sometimes it wears the mask of ambition, excellence, or even service. But here’s how you can usually spot it:

• You’re more excited about the photo op than the actual work.

• You measure success by how many followers, likes, or shout-outs you get.

• You burn out fast when no one is watching or clapping.

• You pivot your purpose every time something “trendy” pops up.

Sound familiar? Yeah. Been there.

What Making a Difference Actually Feels Like

Now contrast that with real impact. It often looks quieter, slower, even less glamorous:

• You show up consistently, whether anyone sees you or not.

• Your energy goes to people, not platforms.

• You lose the need to prove and instead grow the desire to serve.

• You build things that last—even if they take longer.

Real impact is legacy work. Ego is performance art.