Who’s Making Decisions: Ego or Soul?

Play a quick game with me. Yell "Hello!" in your head, to yourself. Did you do it? Now do it one more time, but as loud as you can. Did you hear your own voice in your head like I did? 

Who was yelling? If you answered "Me!" then who was listening? How could you yell and simultaneously hear yourself yelling - in your head? 

You are so much more than you probably realize. You are a soul having a human experience. A unique, divine being in a human body. It's easy to forget this, especially when the ego - that loud voice in our head is running the show. The ego speaks in your own voice, but it is not "you". Your ego is the primal part of you that wants comfort and safety and dislikes change or risk.

When you notice your thoughts about money or what others have, the ego can sound like:

• Nice car! Bet you cry every time you fill up. (Judgment)
• They seem happier. If only I had what they have… (Comparison)
• I'm so behind on life and have no idea how I'll ever catch up. (Self-Criticism)

These patterns—judgment, comparison, and self-criticism—can distort our relationship with money, pushing us toward decisions that serve our ego or soothe insecurities, rather than choices that genuinely support our well-being and long-term goals. The ego distorts our sense of success and can lead to overspending, debt, procrastination, and avoidance. Social media and cultural pressures make the ego's voice even louder, convincing us we're not enough unless we do, buy, or achieve more. 

But when we become aware of our ego and how it sounds, we can start to listen for what we really want. Our true desires come from the soul, guided by values, ethics, and purpose. The soul’s voice is subtle—a quiet whisper. When the ego tells us we need the latest gadget or trend to be happy, the soul reminds us that happiness is an inside job. The soul asks if that thing we’re craving is really about the item, or if it’s about a feeling we hope it will give us.

To tell if your motivation is ego-led or soul-led, pause before making a purchase and ask yourself:

• What am I hoping this will give me?
• Would I want it if nobody else knew about it?
• Does this align with my values and financial goals?

By tuning out the ego’s noise and listening for your soul’s whisper, you can make choices that bring true satisfaction and support your real priorities.