Have you ever caught yourself talking a little too loudly about your own achievements, or noticed that little surge of pride when you feel like the most crucial person in the room?

It's easy to think that what we're doing is incredibly important, and while confidence can be beneficial, we must tread carefully. The more passionately you believe in your work's impact, the more you might be blinded by your own sense of self-importance.

We encounter moments in our daily lives where we're at risk of letting vanity take the wheel–perhaps it's during a successful project at work, or when we receive praise from others.

During these times, it's worth asking ourselves: Are we seeking to do good work, or are we chasing approval and admiration?

The key here is to remain grounded. Connect with the humility of knowing that while your contributions are valuable, they're but one part of a much larger tapestry.

Focus on the work itself, rather than the mirror it holds up to you. By doing so, you'll keep reason as your guide and vanity as just a quiet whisper in the background.