Selfishness, contrary to popular assumption, isn't entirely negative. After all, it aids one's survival in this cutthroat environment. Too much selfishness, on the other hand, is harmful not just to others and the environment, but also to oneself. If you find yourself being selfish in both words and behavior on a regular basis, it may be time to reflect and consider these tips to help you quit being selfish.
Learn to pay attention.
Selfish people crave attention, yet they rarely pay attention to others. They want the talk to be solely focused on them or their areas of interest. When others begin to speak, they either show no attention or redirect the topic to something that amuses them. Keep in mind that you're meant to offer as much as you take in most conversations, so learn to listen to what others have to say. Give them the same respect you do while you're talking. Listen, participate, and wait your turn.
Some should be left for others.
Selfish people tend to grab and take everything they can, leaving others with little to nothing. They can be observed at the cafeteria grabbing all of the pudding or taking more toilet paper than they'll ever use. Take only what you need, plus a few extras in case something goes wrong, but not everything. Keep in mind that there are those who share your needs and desires.
Allowing the end to justify the means is not a good idea.
Selfishness isn't just about a gluttonous craving for material goods; it also refers to a desire for perfection. There's nothing wrong with wanting to succeed and achieve merit as long as you don't take advantage of people. You shouldn't force a subordinate to labor above his capabilities just to keep a client's unattainable promise, and you shouldn't play with an admirer's affections simply to take advantage of his or her abilities. Pursue your goals, but never at the expense of someone else's.
Share the stadium with others.
You must be willing to share the spotlight from time to time if you do not wish to remain selfish any more. Allow others to speak up and take the lead if they so desire. While you're at it, show them the respect they deserve. This may be difficult at first due to habit, but with enough effort, you'll be able to observe and even cheer for others.
Reflect on your behaviors on a regular basis.
The more you reflect, the more you'll see the selfish behaviors you're engaging in, whether purposefully or unintentionally. This will enable you to keep a close eye on your behaviors in the future, considerably reducing the chances of you repeating the same selfish behavior.
Assist someone in need.
A unselfish deed, such as assisting a friend or stranger, is an excellent method to stop being selfish. If a friend is having difficulties at work or at school, try to provide a helpful hand without expecting anything in return. If you come across a stray dog begging for food, feed it or, if possible, adopt it (more on this later). Assisting others, particularly those in need, will allow you to appreciate the intrinsic beauty of selflessness while also experiencing the extrinsic satisfaction of easing others' suffering.
Make a donation to a good cause.
If you want to be exposed to selfless deeds on a larger scale, consider volunteering for a good cause. It's entirely up to you whether you volunteer for an organization that feeds the destitute or one that saves stray animals and dogs. What matters is your willingness to provide part of your time without any ulterior intentions or expectations. Again, the purpose of engaging in gratuitous acts is to allow you to feel the satisfaction of helping others.
Get a pet for yourself.
Being responsible for the life of a wholly dependent being is an excellent method to get rid of selfishness. Having a pet may not immediately combat your selfish tendencies, but it can assist you in incorporating kindness and compassion into your daily routine. After all, your dog or cat's happiness will be entirely dependent on your unpaid generosity. Furthermore, some pets excel at exhibiting complete selflessness toward their owners, and some of this may rub off on you.
Put yourself in the shoes of others.
Sometimes we become selfish because we neglect to consider how our actions may effect others. For example, we can easily see how buying all and selling them at a higher retail price will benefit during this pandemic. What we don't realize is how much stress and danger we place on others because we lack empathy. Imagine yourself on the receiving end of a selfish act the next time you're tempted to do so. Hopefully, this concept will demotivate and enlighten you.
Recognize that you have the ability to change.
If you've been a selfish person for a long time, chances are that others have noticed and labeled you as an irredeemable selfish person. This type of stigma might lead people to believe that they are hopeless. You should be aware that this is not the case. You are still capable of positive change, no matter how selfish you have been in the past. People will regard you in a more positive light if you believe in yourself and put up the necessary effort.
Nobody is perfect, and given the modern world's complexity and hyper-competitiveness, selfishness is a frequent trait. We must not, however, allow greed to rule our lives. Compassion and generosity must always take precedence.
Being selfish can ruin your life. You can get some enemies with that attitude. Selfishness is right if people around you are taking advantage of your kindness.