How can I humble myself to keep my ego "in check"? Can't seem to stay out of my own way! Please Help!

Tip #1 - Think fast, talk slow. In other words, it's almost OK to have your ego up, just keep your mouth shut about it.

I have the same problem, and I'm trying to work on thinking before I speak (about myself). It annoys other people.

Tip #2 - There's times you can't help insulting or hurting other people. Fix it the second you notice, apologize honestly and make a mental note of what you did to try to avoid it in the future.

Tip #3 - Remember your ego can hurt YOU the most.

Practice one of the relaxation methods on pages 2, 11, 2c, or 2i, daily, and when needed, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris

(The following is a variant of EMDR therapy, which has been used successfully for those people suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, insomnia, and anxiety: it is easily learned, quick to use, yet can be very effective. It is easy to be dismissive of such a seemingly unusual technique, but give it a good tryout, for at least a few weeks, to see if it is effective in your case.). Prior to using either of the methods in the above paragraph, first sit comfortably, and take a deep breath. Then, without moving your head, move your eyes from the left, to the right, and back again, taking around a second to do so (say: a thousand and one: this takes approximately a second). Repeat this procedure (without the words, although you can count, subvocally if you like) 20 times. Then close your eyes and relax. Become aware of any tension or discomfort you feel.

Then open your eyes, and take another deep breath, and repeat step one, closing your eyes, and relaxing afterwards, in the same manner. Then, repeat the procedure one last time. Some people may find that this is all they need do. With experience, you may find that you can practise this in public, with your eyes closed, which greatly widens the window of opportunity for its use, and avoids attracting unwanted attention. I have found that the 2 - 3 minutes spent using the EMDR markedly reduces distractions to the relaxation process, and is repaid many times over. ~~~ If in conversation with someone, while they are talking, and/or before you reply, run the tip of your tongue over the roof of your mouth (find your sensitive areas through practice, first), As you do so, remember the feeling of relaxation you got from the above techniques: like most habits, this takes about 30 - 40 reps to instill. This is a combination of distraction, and mindfulness; associating the 2, and giving your mind, and body something to do, which helps sidestep the ego defensive mechanisms, and prevents an injudicious response.

Pull the finger out?

haha sorry, I don't know.