This post might offend the smartest person in the room. (If that’s you, read on.)
You’re Not Growing. You’re Just Performing Smartness.
Let’s be honest. You may not be smart.
You might just be…
- Well-spoken
- Quick to answer
- Loud with opinions
- Addicted to being right
Here’s what you’ve really done:
- Mistaken fast thinking for deep thinking
- Mistaken confidence for competence
- Mistaken loud opinions for actual intelligence
- Mistaken intelligence for authority
- Mistaken certainty for clarity
This isn’t insight. It’s insecurity, polished with performance.
You’re not growing because you think you’ve already arrived.
You don’t listen. You wait to talk.
You don’t update. You defend outdated assumptions.
You don’t lead. You perform.
Still convinced you’re different?
Take the Ego Stress Test.
(Score yourself honestly.)
[ ] Can you sit in silence while someone tears your work apart and feel grateful?
[ ] Can you take advice from someone less experienced and not dismiss it?
[ ] Can you go a full meeting without trying to sound smart?
[ ] Can you admit you were wrong with no justifications?
[ ] Can you let others take credit and feel proud, not bitter?
If any box stays unchecked, your ego’s running your growth.
Want to fix it? Here are 3 practical frameworks that force growth.
1. The Empty Cup Protocol
Focus: Unlearn fast. Listen deeply.
Outcome: You stop seeking validation and start extracting insight from every room.
Try this in a meeting: Say nothing. Just observe.
Example: Your junior makes a point that challenges your view.
Instead of reacting, write it down. Consider the merit after the meeting.
2. The Anti-Genius Loop
Focus: Destroy ego-based thinking. Rebuild with truth.
Outcome: You evolve faster than your peers by killing weak ideas before the world does.
Try this after a decision:
“What was I wrong about? Why didn’t I see it sooner?”
Example: Your last product idea flopped.
Break it down like an outsider rather than defending it.
3. The Confidence Filter
Focus: Separate real conviction from insecure performance.
Outcome: You speak less, lead sharper, and make quieter, better moves.
Ask this before acting:
Would I still do this if no one ever saw it?
Example: You’re about to make a bold LinkedIn post.
Pause. Would you still write it if it got zero likes?
If you’re feeling a bit exposed, that’s good.
That means your ego’s finally cracking.
And that’s your entry point to real growth.