If you’re dissatisfied with your life, it’s possible that you need to devote more time to yourself. Perhaps you should be a little more selfish.
But haven’t we been taught our entire lives that in order to be a decent person, we must be selfless? Yes, being unselfish and caring for those we love should take precedence over everything else.
You should love your children more than yourself, and friendships should take precedence above monetary possessions. These factors, however, should not deter you from devoting time and effort to self-improvement.
Perhaps you’ve already reached a high point in your life. You’re financially self-sufficient, you enjoy what you do for a living, you’re content, and you’re emotionally secure. In addition, you have the perfect mix of adventure and stability in your life.
If that’s the case, you probably don’t need to devote any additional time to yourself. If that isn’t the case, here are some reasons why you might need to be more selfish.
1. You’re Employing Your Family’s Commitment As An Argument to justify
It’s a great thing to toil at a job you despise in order to support your family, and it’s even more admirable if you can do it while smiling. The idea of a father or mother working tirelessly at a profession they despise in order to give their children a brighter future is a monument to humanity.
More power to you if you can actually find joy in your life by providing for your family, regardless of the methods. However, if you desire more out of life than your current career, you owe it to yourself to pursue it. It’s something you owe to your family.
“But what about my family?” you might wonder. “How will I be able to support them?”
Here’s the thing: you don’t have to sacrifice your family’s well-being in order to pursue your aspirations, but you could absolutely use it as an excuse. I went through this after having my first child.
I quickly recognized that there was one time of day when I could always devote to myself–5 a.m. At 5 a.m., you can be selfish. At 5 a.m., you can work on your goals and concentrate on yourself. Do you want to learn how to get up earlier in the morning? The Early To rising Experience is a fantastic book that will teach you how to get up early in 30 days!
2. You and your family don’t require as much as you think selfless-person
What exactly are you surrendering if your basic shelter needs are met? Is it really necessary for your children to have a brand new car when they turn 16? Do they require all-expenses-paid international travel after graduation?
Would a trust fund or a hefty inheritance really assist your grandchildren? Or will your children learning the value of money, setting the appropriate priorities, and enjoying what they have instead of always wanting more by working for their luxuries?
We have a natural desire to make things easy for our children and to provide them with the greatest possible existence. But, aside from food, shelter, and education, your children don’t require nearly as much as you believe.
And the things they do require from you are completely free, such as unconditional love and instruction in honesty and how to treat others.
So be it if pursuing your passion means you won’t be able to purchase your child a brand new car for their 16th birthday. Your youngster does not require such luxury in order to succeed.
3. If You Can’t Help Yourself, How Can You Expect Others To Help You?
By concentrating on resolving personal issues, you will be in a position to assist others, whether financially or otherwise. It’s similar to putting on your own oxygen mask before aiding others on an aircraft in an emergency, even if the other person is someone you love more than life itself.
You may pass out and both of you may die if you attempt to put the oxygen mask on your child before you put it on yourself.
You’ll be in a far better position to help others if you’re financially and emotionally stable. In this scenario, being selfish will allow you to become more selfless in the long term.
Last Thoughts
Any of the reasons listed above should not be used as to excuse for being selfish all of the time. By all means, give liberally, always be available for your friends, and put others’ needs ahead of your own.
However, keep in mind that you can only give what you have. So, when the time comes, make the most of what you have by being selfish, and you’ll have a lot more to give.
It’s also possible that you’re unhappy with your life because you’re too self-centered. It works in both directions.
Individuals who devote time to self-care routines are more creative, successful, and happy, according to research. So, how can we start shifting away from maladaptive behaviour and putting self-care routines at the top of our priority list rather than putting them last?
The trip begins with an assessment of your physical and mental health, as well as your social and professional interactions. It’s easier to incorporate them into our routines, just like any other good habit, if we build on other excellent habits we’ve already developed. For example, before going to bed at 11:00 p.m., I’ll spend 15 minutes stretching and deep-breathing exercises, as well as gratitude journaling. I frequently take a 15-minute walk outside during my lunch break at work to enjoy the sunshine.
What constitutes a self-care practise or activity?
This is a very personal and unique situation. It can be anything that relaxes, replenishes, and rejuvenates you while also improving your general health and well-being. Examine your calendar as well as your personal requirements to see how you might incorporate regular acts of self-care into your daily, weekly, monthly, and annual routines. Self-care exercises can be as short as a few minutes of deep breathing or as long as a two-week vacation in Colorado!