I need help ditching my insufferable ego...

To start this, I have dealt with ego pretty much all my life which has made toxic energy really stick with me. About two years ago, I became very spiritual and started seeking more guidance from the universe, which made me start my journey to transform and get closer to reaching my higher self. I have made a lot of progress, and I do acknowledge that with gratitude because it took a lot. Lately though, I am at a bit of a stand still with myself. I fear that I am overthinking when it comes to growth, plus there have been some major shifts in energy with certain people that has made me really question who's acceptable to be around. I think I rely on others energy too much to feel validated, and I don't want to do that at all. I want to be invested in myself so that my ego gets buried and I don't waste most of my energy trying to prove myself to everyone in my life, because I feel it drives me farther away from reaching my highest self and transforming into the person I've always wanted to be. I also want to attract certain people into my life, both platonic and romantic, and I feel like my ego has really blocked a lot of good energy and manifestations from coming in and happening to me, which adds to my frustraion. Tips would be greatly appreciated to overcome this and stay in strong connection with the Universe.