This article was co-authored by Arda Ozdemir, MA and by wikiHow staff writer, Amber Crain. Arda Ozdemir is the Executive Coach and Founder of Rise 2 Realize, a nonprofit organization in Palo Alto, California that is dedicated to providing a practical roadmap toward one's full potential in their life and career. Arda is a Reiki Master, an Emotional Freedom Technique Practitioner, and a certified HeartMath Trainer and Mentor.
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If you're worried about being a self-centered person, that concern shows you've already taken an important step towards change. Change can be tough, though, so if you need more guidance on this journey, we can help. We've put together a useful list of simple things you can try that can help you focus less on yourself and more on the needs of others. Even small changes in your daily life can make a big impact!
Steps
Expert Q&A
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QuestionCan a self-centered person change?Arda Ozdemir, MAArda Ozdemir is the Executive Coach and Founder of Rise 2 Realize, a nonprofit organization in Palo Alto, California that is dedicated to providing a practical roadmap toward one's full potential in their life and career. Arda is a Reiki Master, an Emotional Freedom Technique Practitioner, and a certified HeartMath Trainer and Mentor.
Life CoachYes! If you're not sure where to start, try doing some random acts of kindness. You could volunteer to pick up a friend from the airport, grab your roommate a coffee for no reason, or pick your significant other flowers.
References
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2016/07/what-great-listeners-actually-do
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2018/05/is-your-emotional-intelligence-authentic-or-self-serving
- ↑ https://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/development/behavioral/selfish-behavior/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evolution-the-self/201608/self-absorption-the-root-all-psychological-evil
- ↑ http://www.familytimes.co.nz/kids-compromise/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evolution-the-self/201510/compromise-made-simple-7-handy-tips-couples
- ↑ https://www.learning-mind.com/how-to-stop-being-selfish/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2689844/
- ↑ https://www.pnas.org/content/117/37/22780
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evolution-the-self/201608/self-absorption-the-root-all-psychological-evil
- ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_gratitude_motivates_us_to_become_better_people
- ↑ https://www.newsweek.com/loneliness-self-centered-evolution-response-self-preservation-624947
- ↑ https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/full/10.1146/annurev-psych-010416-044145
- ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/the_benefits_of_a_family_pet
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evolution-the-self/201608/self-absorption-the-root-all-psychological-evil
- ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/does_self_compassion_make_you_selfish
About This Article
Being less self-centered involves paying more attention to other people and trying to see things from their perspective. When you talk to someone, try to listen and ask questions more than you talk about yourself. While they're talking, show you're listening by nodding your head and summarizing what they've said after they've finished talking. If you want to learn about other people, read a book to see someone else's perspective, watch a documentary, or talk to strangers at a club or social event. Another great way to be less self-centered is to volunteer your time at a non-profit organization, which will give you a new perspective and let you give back to your community. For more tips, including how to swallow your pride and ask for help when you need it, read on!