If we leave the world of entrepreneurs and look at politics, sports, or even the arts, we see the same pattern:  High-level achievers have a strong ego.  You can make a pretty convincing argument that a powerful ego is required for powerful success.

Yes, we all know people with an inflated sense of self, but that’s not what the ego really is.  When you're openly talking about your greatness and reminding everybody how amazing you are, that’s an ego running out of control.  And it’s not because they’re cocky. In reality it's just the opposite.  Narcissism comes from insecurity.  Someone who is always boasting about himself or herself to convey confidence is actually insecure.  It means that they don't have a healthy ego and they act that way to hide their fears.

People with a strong, well-balanced ego want to be great.  They just don’t have to brag about it or look for validation from others.  People with strong egos are usually their own strongest critics and drive themselves fiercely.  They see stepping into their greatness as part of their assignment.  Their life is about is getting to that next level of greatness, and they're okay to be recognized for that. They don't make it all about them, and certainly they get involved in service and contribution, as we’ll discuss in a moment.  But a healthy ego is necessary for success and prosperity.

To really step into your true potential and do something epic – you must lose the perception that ego is about vanity or self-love and instead understand the real ego is the part of your mind that controls consciousness.  Let me suggest something that will cause consternation with some, but I absolutely know to be true:

The desire to be great and to be recognized for being great is healthy.