It’s probable that you need to spend more time on yourself if you’re unhappy with your life. Maybe you should be a little more self-centred.
But haven’t we been taught our entire lives that being selfless is the only way to be a decent person? Yes, putting others before ourselves and caring for those we love should come first.
Friendships should take precedence above material belongings, and you should love your children more than yourself. These considerations should not, however, stop you from committing time and effort to personal development.
Perhaps you’ve already reached the pinnacle of your career. You’re financially self-sufficient, you enjoy your work, you’re happy, and you’re emotionally safe. You also have the ideal balance 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.
Related: Self-Care Tips for a Healthier, Happier You
1. You’re Employing Your Family’s Commitment As An Argument to justify
It’s admirable to work at a job you loathe to support your family, and it’s even more so if you can do it while smiling. The thought of a father or mother toiling away at a job they loathe in order to provide a better future for their children is a testament to humanity.
More power to you if you can find happiness in your life by providing for your family, no matter how you do it. If you want more from life than your current job, you owe it to yourself to go after it. It’s something you owe your loved ones.
“However, what about my family?” says the narrator. You could be perplexed. “How am I going to be able to help them?”
Here’s the thing: you don’t have to put your family’s well-being on the line to achieve your goals, but you could certainly use it as an excuse. This happened to me after I had my first child.
I rapidly realised that there was one time of day when I could give 100% of my attention to myself–5 a.m. You may be selfish at 5 a.m. You can work on your goals and concentrate on yourself around 5 a.m.
Are you interested in learning how to get up early in the morning? The Early To Rising Experience is an excellent book that will show you how to get up early in just 30 days!
2. You and your family don’t require as much as you think selfless-person
If your basic shelter needs are covered, what precisely are you giving up? Is it really important for your children to have a brand new car when they reach the age of sixteen? Is it necessary to go on an all-expenses-paid international trip after graduation?
Is a trust fund or a large inheritance going to help your grandchildren? Or will your children learn the value of money, prioritise appropriately, and appreciate what they have rather than always desiring more by working for their luxuries?
We have a natural desire to make things easier for our children and to provide them with the best life possible. Your children, however, do not require nearly as much as you assume, aside from food, shelter, and education.
And the things they do ask of you, such as unconditional love and training in honesty and how to treat others, are entirely free.
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?
If your basic shelter needs are covered, what precisely are you giving up? Is it really important for your children to have a brand new car when they reach the age of sixteen? Is it necessary to go on an all-expenses-paid international trip after graduation?
Is a trust fund or a large inheritance going to help your grandchildren? Or will your children learn the value of money, prioritise appropriately, and appreciate what they have rather than always desiring more by working for their luxuries?
We have a natural desire to make things easier for our children and to provide them with the best life possible. Your children, however, do not require nearly as much as you assume, aside from food, shelter, and education.
And the things they do ask of you, such as unconditional love and training in honesty and how to treat others, are entirely free.
You will be able to help others, whether financially or otherwise if you focus on resolving personal concerns. It’s like putting on your own oxygen mask before helping others on a plane in an emergency, even if the other person is someone you care about more than life itself.
If you try to put the oxygen mask on your child before you put it on yourself, you may pass out and both of you may die.
If you’re financially and emotionally stable, you’ll be in a far better position to aid others. Being selfish in this situation will allow you to become more selfless in the long run.
What constitutes a self-care practise or activity?
This is an extremely personal and one-of-a-kind circumstance. It might be anything that helps you rest, refresh, and rejuvenate while also boosting your overall health and well-being.
Examine your calendar as well as your personal needs to explore how regular acts of self-care might be included in your daily, weekly, monthly, and annual routines. Self-care activities
Final Thoughts
Any of the aforementioned reasons should not be used as an excuse to be self-centred all of the time. Give generously, always be available for your friends, and prioritise the needs of others over your own.
Keep in mind, though, that you can only give what you have. So, when the time comes, be selfish and make the most of what you have; you’ll have a lot more to give.
It’s also possible that you’re dissatisfied with your life because you’re too focused on yourself. It is effective in both ways.
According to studies, people who commit time to self-care routines are more creative, successful, and joyful. So, how can we begin to break the cycle of maladaptive behaviour by prioritising self-care rather than putting it last on our priority list?
The journey starts with an evaluation of your physical and emotional well-being, as well as your social and professional connections. It’s easier to adopt them into our routines if we build on other good habits we’ve previously established, just like any other good habit.
For example, I’ll spend 15 minutes stretching and deep-breathing exercises, as well as gratitude journaling, before retiring to bed at 11:00 p.m. During my lunch break at work, I typically take a 15-minute walk outside to enjoy the weather.