The hardest thing for most professionals to do is put our egos aside. Why should we? Especially since we’ve gone to great lengths to ensure that we have the education and experiences to back it up. We also exist in a world that has always created societal distinctions. Those who are able to stand out above the rest do it proudly. Sometimes too proudly. I’ve learned, and am still learning, that true humility enables growth. So yes. Like most professionals, I have an ego. But I’m learning to put mine aside. 

In order to engage in successful community building work, you have to get to the point where you realize that the cause is greater than yourself. No one person or set of people should ever be able to determine the wellbeing of entire communities based on their personalities alone. Whether or not anyone can rightfully praise you for your contributions, the task at hand is more important than any self-serving recognition. It is important to constantly remember that the project is not about you. It is about the people you are serving. If this means your feelings have to be hurt temporarily, so be it. Hurt feelings heal and communities can flourish when the end goal is given more priority than the present gain of a select few.

I am the first to admit that I am a young professional and I have worked extremely hard to attain what I’ve acquired thus far. At the same time, I have a lot of growing to do and I embrace that. Really I do. Part of that growth is acknowledging my shortcomings so that I can address them – and turn them into strengths even. Therefore, I am not afraid to acknowledge my ego. It has served me well. But because there is so much work to be done, I am happy to put it aside.

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