Ego can be intoxicating, you feel as if you're the best fit to overcome all trials that comes your way. Ego is good if channelled rightly but becomes bad if the motive for expressing such an ego is not idealistic enough. Having a healthy self-esteem builds your heart and might, it conquers fear and disdains. It opens more doors of opportunities at your disposal making you fit into any new position you find yourself. It's an attractive and desirable trait when your motive is fair and desirable.

well summarized, especially this paragraph, with an excellent real life example. i feel for Mr Abbey's wife, her strength to maintain demonstrates the power of her own self-esteem.

good luck in the contest!