Be SELFISH

Want to cruise through life? Consider being selfish.

Perhaps no one has ever said this to you before, particularly if you, like me, hail from an Indian background where community and sharing are deeply ingrained values, and individualism is less pronounced. Moreso, individualism is seen as greed and frowned upon.

Initially, the idea of being selfish clashed with my core beliefs. I was taken aback by the thought of normalising selfishness. However, I gradually learned how important it is to be selfish.

Here are three hacks on being selfish I have learned...

Hack 1: Say no people. The more I say no the more I say yes to things that matter.

Embrace the power of saying no. Saying no allows you to sharpen your focus on your own desires, making it easier to say yes to truly meaningful endeavors. This practice can be a formidable tool for safeguarding your well-being, preventing over-commitment, and avoiding the feeling of being overwhelmed.

Hack 2: Put yourself first. What is important to you and to your well-being?

Prioritise yourself without guilt. What brings you genuine happiness and contributes to your overall well-being? Self-care isn't selfish; it's a necessity. By attending to your own mental, emotional, and physical health, you become better equipped to positively impact your family, workplace, and community.

Hack 3: Evict those from your head who give you stress and suck the energy out of you. Keep those who have earned their keep with their positivity and thoughtfulness.

Curate your inner circle wisely. Free your mind from those who burden you with stress and drain your energy. Instead, keep company with those who radiate positivity and thoughtfulness. The people you surround yourself with can significantly influence your life; fostering relationships with those who uplift and inspire you can enhance your overall well-being.

In essence, I learned being "selfish" isn't about disregarding others or your community's values. It's about recognising and fulfilling your own needs in a way that ultimately makes you a happier, healthier, and more generous individual.

Does being selfish resonate with you?