Be selfish: Four ways to focus on yourself first

Sounds harsh, right? But think about it. Are you acutely aware of other people’s problems? Does your awareness prompt a way out of the problems? Do you then find yourself trying to help out and compromising your success? This article is for you. Firstly, thumbs up for trying to help. Only a generous soul would do so. However, when your generosity becomes an impediment, selfishness can be the perfect antidote. Here’s how.

Gain perspective

“Truth is not what you want it to be. It is what it is. And you must bend to its power or live a lie,” said Miyamoto Musashi. He was a perfect swordsman who never lost a fight. Truly, “only you can work on your dreams.” Similarly, the people around you are the only ones who can make a change in their lives. Therefore, shift your focus and work on your dreams. And you can always win like Musashi.

Be kind to yourself

Kindness goes both ways. As you are kind to others, be kind to yourself.” If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete,” said Jack Kornfield. He is a trained Buddhist monk and a bestselling American author. He is also one of the notable pioneers who introduced mindfulness meditation to the West.

Your ambitions need you too. Why split your energy? Did you know that helping others can be an excuse for procrastination? Yes, it is. So before setting out to help, be objective and don’t abandon your tasks.

Think like a businessman

Don’t just offer solutions, think of how you can monetize them. After all, what is a business? It’s nothing but an establishment that makes a profit from solving problems. Ask yourself, “Is it a common problem? Is the solution profitable?”. If the answers are affirmative, don’t hesitate. Conduct proper research, and who knows, maybe you’ll be the next Jeff Bezos. Good luck.

Stop trying to be God

You never created a man. The concept of fixing one, therefore, is a lost course. Instead of trying to “fix” others, love them as they are. Accept them as they are. What if someone tried to “fix” you? That would feel intrusive, right? Perhaps others feel that way when you try to help. Let others be, and their experience will point out their weaknesses better.

In conclusion

Generosity is a virtue. It should never be an impediment. Where your knowledge can be of benefit to someone, offer it freely. Humbly accept your limits as a human being. Have grace and differentiate facts from your opinions. Where possible, make the world better by creating a business that solves problems. You matter—your dreams matter. Be selfish.