How do I learn to be less selfish?

Question

How do I learn to be less selfish?

Answer 1

Maybe make it a point everyday to do something nice for some one else :)

Answer 2

think of others remember this saying treat others the way u want them to treat you or whatever u do comes around

Answer 3

It can be hard if you were not consistently taught empathy as a child.  My mother was constantly saying to me "How would you feel is someone did that to you?" forcing me to look at how my actions affected other people. American society has become so "looking out for number 1" that it is difficult to exercise empathy. Be a youth mentor at your local school or volunteer at a nursing home/senior services.    

Answer 4

You've already learned a little something about being selfless by asking this question. The fact that you've taken even half a minute to ask how to be less selfish is being less selfish. When you find yourself in a sour mood over something that didn't go your way, evaluate the situation and decide whether or not you're justified in the way you feel or if you're being selfish... it might lead to more self-awareness and a generally more selfless way of living :)

Answer 5

First, let me ask... are you sure you're being selfish?  Putting yourself first isn't always the same thing as actually acting selfishly.  People might tell you it is... but depending on the details of the situation, they may be the selfish ones.  

Anyway, if you are sure -that is, if you find that you are hurting those around you, or just making decisions and doing things just because it suits you, without any concern for the feelings of others... If you don't keep your word, or you let people down just because you decided to do something else - Then the first step to acting less selfishly would be to stop before you follow through with your next course of action and ask yourself a few soul-searching questions.  

1) By doing what you are about to do; are you doing justice to the person you want to be?  

2) Are you acting on impulse?  Or are you acting from your heart?  

3) Is the action you are about to take something you'll be proud of later?

4) Is what you are about to do contrary to what you know would be the right thing to do?

5) Are you about to hurt someone with what you're going to do, think, say?  If so, is it necessary?  Are you doing it for them or for you –is it the right thing to do?

Just try to consider your motives the next time you are about to act.  If they are genuine, and in-line with the person you truly want to be, the person you'd be proud to be -chances are you're making an unselfish action.  

But if you are about to do something that will definitely let others down... if it's a base action made with little to no regard for the consequences... in that case it's probably something you may want to reconsider following through with.  

Just stop next time.  Consider what you’re about to do.  Consider your motives.  Ask yourself if it’s the right thing to do.  Then decide what you’re actually going to do.  

No matter what though; taking an action that may leave others unhappy with you -but it's something you must do -something important for you to do -(if it serves your true, your best, your highest self) then do it.  Self-preservation is never selfish.  It's just not always world-pleasing.  

Answer 6

Unselfishness comes in different forms. It isn't only about physically giving things to someone. It can also mean understanding others needs as far as basic friendship and understanding. Simply listening to someone vent their emotions without turning it into your own rant shows unselfishness.

Imagine yourself as the other person, instead. What could they be feeling, thinking or needing at that moment? Then try to provide for them as well as you can.

Giving is good therapy. When people begin showing their appreciation and thanking you, you may get hooked. Moreover- you gain long lasting friendships.

I'm what they'd call a "people watcher" and am constantly in tune with the psychological status of my acquaintances.  

Answer 7

By giving more of yourself, your services, your goodwill to others.

The Mother, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry says,

"The more one gives, the more one grows"

How to do that? She further says,

"one must be able to come out of the limits of one's little ego. One must be identified with the Force, identified with the Vibration instead of being identified with one's ego."

Answer 8

If you really want 2 become less selfish i believe it will come naturally.. Its like learning to be nice .. its not going to happen if you are just doing it for someone else, you will only change when you are doing it to better yourself, for yourself

Answer 9

think about what it would be like to be less fortunate than u,help out at charities or soup kitchens

Answer 10

Put  all others ahead of yourself volunteer maybe a hour a week you will be with good people and feel a lot better about yourself..