Here's how to be selfless and not selfish
What's the story
One of the most repelling traits in humans is selfishness. No matter how qualified you are in your field of work, being selfish can make people overlook everything else. Selfishness is being excessively concerned for oneself or acting upon one's own advantage regardless of others. If you've identified certain behavior that screams "selfish," here's how you can tone that down in your everyday life.
#1
Ask engaging questions
Instead of a non-engaging "how are you" it is better to enquire about someone's health, hobbies, or interests. This shows that you are genuinely interested in knowing the answer and not acting out of formality. However, do not get too personal with your questions. Initiating a positive conversation also opens up avenues to developing bonds among co-workers and peers.
#2
Try to be a good listener
After you've asked a question, don't just rush past without bothering to hear the answer. If someone is venting out about having a bad day or sharing their problems with you, be kind enough to just listen. Interrupting or waiting for your turn to speak can be very off-putting for the speaker and cause them to distance themselves from you.
#3
Try thinking from other person's perspective
In different situations, we tend to jump to conclusions or judge others for making a certain decision. However, if you put yourself in that person's shoes, you would get a better sense of what they went through and why they decided the way they did. This comes in handy in stressful moments and allows you to be empathetic and act in a selfless way.
#4
Practice gratitude
Not everyone has all the opportunities and benefits in the world. Be thankful for what you have. Once you understand that your basic needs have been met, you'd become more grounded. Practice listing down three things you are thankful for every day, and you'll see how simple life is, and that you do not really need the endless list of things you desire.
#5
Encourage people
Actions speak louder than words. So start doing little things for others. For example, if a friend is struggling professionally, help them with job listings and ask them if they need any help. Check up on a friend to ask how their date went or help someone finish a project. Shower them with compliments and push them toward achieving their goal.