In "Ego Is the Enemy," Ryan Holiday highlights a crucial exercise from Workaholics Anonymous focused on self-awareness. The exercise encourages individuals to recognize their tendencies towards ego and self-will before they lead to negative outcomes. It's essential to acknowledge when to pause and avoid burnout by resting before fatigue sets in.

This approach emphasizes the importance of checking one's impulses and taking preemptive action to prevent issues from escalating. By being mindful and proactive, individuals can maintain better control over their behavior and avoid unnecessary challenges that stem from unchecked ego.