Feed your ego or family — but not both

Before I begin, keep in mind that when I am referring to family I am talking about more than just blood; I’m including people who provide love, support, and commitment, regardless of genetic ties. This broader definition includes close friends, partners, and other individuals who are there for you through thick and thin, and who accept you for who you are. These relationships are all built on bonds of affection and mutual commitment rather than solely on blood relation.

As men, we all have goals—whether it’s the pursuit of personal success, building a business, or living a life that reflects our values. However, there’s a fine line between achieving your dreams and getting caught up in feeding your ego.

The truth is, there’s only so much time, energy, and focus we have in a day, and you can’t serve both your ego and your family at the same time. If you prioritize one over the other, your life will reflect it. And when push comes to shove, you have to decide what’s truly important.

So, let’s talk about what it means to “feed your ego.” It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of personal achievement and recognition. As men, we are wired to succeed, to be admired, and to build a legacy. Social media is a prime example—it’s a platform where we can display every highlight reel of our lives, but it’s also a place where we can seek validation. But at what cost? When you feed your ego, you’re looking for external affirmation, approval, and status. You start to live for the applause, rather than for the relationships that matter most.

On the other hand, there’s feeding your family, which provides a deeper, more lasting fulfillment. It’s not about recognition from others, but about investing in your loved ones—your spouse, children, and those closest to you. Feeding your family isn’t just about putting food on the table. It’s about being present, showing love, and putting in the effort to create a stable and supportive environment. But this requires focus, patience, and sacrifice. It demands your time and energy, which are finite resources.

Here’s where the problem lies: when you prioritize feeding your ego, you run the risk of neglecting the people who need you most. You can’t be the man who is always chasing external validation, climbing the career ladder, or indulging in the temporary pleasures of self-importance while also being the husband, father, or partner who is emotionally available, present, and nurturing. The two don’t coexist without compromise.

Think about it—how many times have you spent hours working on a project, pushing forward for the sake of your own personal ambition, only to realize that you missed an important family event, conversation, or moment with a loved one? I’ve been there, and I can tell you from personal experience that the feeling of regret is real. It’s not worth it. No amount of career success, fame, or recognition will replace the bond you build with your loved ones.

And that’s the hard truth we all have to face: you cannot do both. You cannot dedicate yourself 100% to chasing your own ambitions without making sacrifices in other areas of your life. You’ll inevitably find yourself losing out on meaningful moments that you can never get back. Your kids grow up fast, your spouse’s patience has its limits, and friendships fade if not nurtured. When you’re consumed by feeding your ego, these things begin to slip through the cracks.

The key to finding a balance isn’t trying to “do it all.” It’s about setting boundaries. It’s about recognizing when it’s time to step back from the hustle and focus on what truly matters—your family. That doesn’t mean you abandon your dreams or stop striving for success, but it does mean re-prioritizing. Success doesn’t have to come at the expense of your family life. In fact, it can be more meaningful when you have the love and support of your family behind you.

A man who truly understands this balance is a man who’s emotionally grounded. He knows how to push hard in his career, but he also knows when to clock out and be present with his loved ones. He understands that his family is his rock, his reason for working hard, and the ones who keep him grounded. Your achievements will mean a lot less if you don’t have people around you who care. In the long run, it’s the people in your life who will remember you, not the likes on your Instagram or the amount of money in your bank account.

So how do we make this shift? It starts with awareness. You have to acknowledge when your ego is taking the wheel and making decisions for you. Are you working late nights just to prove something to others? Are you neglecting your family for the sake of some imaginary accolade? Be honest with yourself and check in on your priorities. If your family isn’t at the top of the list, it’s time to make adjustments.

Here’s a tip: start scheduling “family time” the same way you schedule work meetings. Set aside time where you can’t be interrupted, where your phone is off, and you’re fully present. This doesn’t mean you’re not working hard, but it means you’re investing in what truly matters. Over time, this practice will help you strike that necessary balance between work and family life.

Another part of this equation is understanding that your family needs your emotional energy just as much as they need your financial support. It’s not enough to just be physically present. You need to be emotionally available, to listen, to share in the highs and lows of life. Feeding your ego might keep you busy with external distractions, but feeding your family means giving them your heart, your attention, and your unwavering commitment.

At the end of the day, success is about balance. It’s not about choosing one over the other, but understanding that both require sacrifice. When you feed your ego, you’re chasing something external, something fleeting. But when you feed your family, you’re investing in something real, something that will last a lifetime. Success without family is hollow. So if you want to truly win at life, make sure that the people who matter most aren’t the ones left behind.

Feeding your ego may bring short-term satisfaction, but feeding your family will bring long-term fulfillment. As men, we are built to provide and protect, but we must also be present and connected. Remember, you can’t do both—feed your ego or feed your family. Choose wisely, because the rewards of family will always outweigh the shallow victories of ego.