measuring the ego...

The aspirant who frequently measures how far he has advanced, or retrograded, upon this path, or how long he has stood still, is seeking something to be gained for himself, is looking all the time at himself.

He is measuring the ego instead of trying to transcend it altogether.

He is clinging to self, instead of obeying Jesus' injunction to deny it.

Looking at the ego, he unwittingly stands with his back to the Overself.

If he is ever to become enlightened, he must turn round, cease this endless self-measurement, stop fussing over little steps forward or backward, let all thoughts about his own backwardness or greatness cease, and look directly at the goal itself..

Paul Brunton