No one wants to think of themselves as having a "big ego," but having a strong ego is definitely a good thing. Today I'll tell you what I mean by that.

How strong is your ego? Many people think that the term "ego" has something to do with being a braggart or totally self-interested, but they're wrong. Actually, psychologists tell us that the ego is that part of our personality that directs our activities, so we can get our needs met and survive. It's a normal and necessary part of who we are.

Having good ego strength means you perceive things accurately and have the ability to make wise decisions. It also generally means that you have self-confidence, self-esteem, and poise under pressure. Ego strength has nothing whatever to do with people we think of as having "big egos"- those macho folks who like to push other people around and blow their own horns.

On the contrary, it often shows up as resiliency - the ability to bounce back from adversity - and the flexibility to take advantage of change. According to Dr. Charles Garfield, author of "Peak Performers," for ego strength, a thoughtful, systematic program of personal growth can help enormously. I've been helping people in this way for nearly 40 years. So I know that if you choose to, you can do it!