In my understanding, ego is an outward display of identity.
Ego is required to function on earth as well as enjoy life!
I play the guitar...
I also sing...
And I love to read and write...
If you ask me, yes, all of those things are ego in a way. They are outward displays of my "identity"
They are what makes me "me" in this physical experience.
And guess what?
There is nothing wrong with that! Life is to be lived and experienced... We are meant to expand ourselves and try new things... If something feels good we should do it! If we want to push ourselves to be the best we can possibly be at anything, heck yeah!!!
Don't be afraid of things being egoic... it's all part of the experience.