how do they keep the ego in check?

when you're loved by everyone? when everyone tells you how great you are? when your attempts to be humble are still somehow construed to be a reflection of your great virtue?

with the barrage of praise, how do the great souls, past and present, keep on the firm path? do they reach some kind of safety level, when they've truly lost their ego, and never fall back despite whatever temptation they encounter?