A Bad Day for the Ego Is a Good Day for the Soul

There’s an old saying: “A bad day for the ego is a good day for the soul.” But what does that really mean in the context of business and professional growth? That’s what we’re going to talk about.

In business, your ego will take hits. A pitch you’ve rehearsed for weeks falls flat. A prospect chooses a competitor. A junior colleague pokes holes in your idea during a meeting. On the surface, these moments feel like setbacks, failures that undercut your confidence and credibility.

But what’s bad for the ego is often excellent for your long-term growth.

The ego craves immediate validation — the yes, the handshake, the recognition. The soul — the deep driver of your career and leadership journey — thrives on humility, resilience, and discipline.

When you experience a “bad day” for the ego in business, you’re forced to confront questions that sharpen your edge:

• Was I too focused on being impressive instead of being impactful?

• Am I listening to understand, or just waiting for my turn to talk?

• Am I relying on my title for authority and respect instead of earning real influence through trust?

That bruising client rejection? It can make you refine your value proposition.

That critical boardroom challenge? It can remind you to back up vision with data.

That lost deal? It can push you to build relationships that outlast transactions.

The takeaway: Bad days for the ego can strip away illusions. They can clarify what actually creates sustained success — preparation, persistence, and perspective. They teach you to separate your worth from your wins and to double down on the work that matters most.

In the long run, the entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals who thrive are the ones who leverage those ego checks. They understand that every sting is a signal: you’re being pushed to build not just a bigger business, but a stronger foundation for leading it.

Thrive Practice: Turning Ego Hits Into Growth

(Use this as a quick reflection tool the next time your ego takes a hit.)

1. Write down what happened (the trigger).

2. Separate fact from feeling: what actually occurred vs. the story your ego is telling you.

3. Ask: What’s the lesson here that strengthens me as a leader or professional?

4. Commit to one small adjustment you’ll make in your next interaction, pitch, or decision.

This shifts the moment from an ego bruise into a soul gain, which is where real progress lives.

Helping you Thrive,

Judy

Founder, Selby Strategies

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