Being selfish is often thought of as putting oneself first to the detriment of others. It has strong negative connotations and when we say someone is selfish, it isn’t usually a compliment! However, what if by being selfish you could improve the life of those around you as well? This is the selfishness we want to create in our own lives. It takes a willingness to put yourself first in order to get there. I’m not talking about leaving your family and kids and taking up painting like Van Gogh, but that is actually an example of being incredibly selfish and if he hadn’t been willing to do that, we wouldn’t be appreciating his art years later. Tough call, but a personal choice for everyone.
By being responsible for your choices and by putting yourself first you’ll become much more attractive to yourself and others. This week your challenge is to say “No, thanks!” to anything you don’t really want to do. This may mean turning down quite a few people. In addition, start listing what you would do if you were really selfish. Would you get a weekly massage? Take the first hour of every day for your special project or meditation? Hire a personal chef to cook your meals? I’m selfish by not doing laundry, ironing, housework or cooking unless I want to. How is this selfish? One might argue that I should do these things and save the money for my children’s education or a nice family holiday. I’m also selfish by asking my husband to collect the children from school so I have time to do my coaching work. One colleague decided not to schedule his time. One client asked her husband to take the children to school so she could use that hour to ride her bicycle. Now make your own list.
Homework:
List two or three examples in your online journal of what your life would look like or what you’d do differently if you were incredibly selfish. Don’t be afraid to write down the really big stuff.
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Now implement at least one of these ideas this week.
Ten Minute Option:
Just do the online journal writing above and save implementation for when you have more time.
Enjoy!
Talane
