Egoism is a characteristic of behavior observable through the attitude that frequently we identify more clearly in others while justifying our own behavior with excuses selfish. The assessment of a person in whom this trait stands out in a significant way is not the result of a specific behavior but rather frequent and even predictable.
Egoism is the attitude of those who live their reality from constant attention to the self. In this Psychology-Online article, we reflect on the meaning of selfish according to psychology.
The selfish person shows a different way of being than one who adopts a lifestyle centered on generosity as a principle of existence. While for a generous person happiness is in giving and sharing, on the contrary, for a selfish person the goal is in receive and meet their own needs. Without this meaning experiencing constant joy and satisfaction from this point of view, since the egoist falls into an individualism that distances him from others.
Selfishness is reinforced
How to identify the traits of a person who has a selfish profile? Next, we show you 4 characteristics that will help us to know the meaning of egoistic according to psychology:
1. Attachment to the material
The egoist establishes an attachment relationship with things since it is difficult for him to let go of what he has. Live more focused on lack of what he lacks than in the gratitude of what he possesses. For this reason, one of the characteristics of the selfish mindset is wanting more.
2. Lack of empathy with the other
There are aspects of life that depend mainly on oneself, however, there are also issues that must be negotiated with the other through agreements in the sphere of the couple, friendship, family or the job. The selfish person has a hard time putting himself in the shoes of others, he expects others to give in and act exactly as he expects. As a consequence, it shows arrogant attitudes before the others.
3. Does not ask but demands
One of the effects of egoism according to psychology is that the person positions himself before others giving more value and meaning to his needs than to those of others. This leads him to presuppose things, to demand as if he had the right to do so. For this same reason, he gets angry when others respond negatively to his own request.
4. Not generous with your time
Time has its own economy since although it is not a personal possession, the person does manage their minutes according to your own expectations. Selfishness is also manifested in the reluctance to invest time in an action that does not fully connect with the desire of that moment.
Although we find it very comfortable to point out selfishness as an observable issue in the lives of others, we grow as people when we identify selfish behaviors in ourselves. Today's society nurtures individualism in many ways. However, ending up locked in ourselves and in the enormous dimensions of our ego does not make us any happier. How to limit selfishness in our life?
1. Consequences of selfishness
Sometimes, you can become aware of the dimensions of this reality through its effects, that is, from the consequences that these behaviors produce in relationships in the form of loneliness, communication difficulties, arguments or distancing on the part of the the rest.
But for bear the consequences of selfishness At the level of personal relationships, it is important that you assume your responsibility in the course of events and do not just blame others for breaking your expectations.
2. Change of beliefs
Just because someone loves you doesn't mean they have to constantly like you. Your friends and family also have their own difficulties, expectations, dreams, projects and hopes. Do not delegate your responsibility to anyone to take charge of what you can do for yourself.
3. Practical experience
Selfishness brings you experiences and altruism gives you different ones. Experience, feel, observe and experience situations in which you position yourself before reality from that vision to discover the joy that is at the base of those moments.
- The altruist discovers that he receives more than he gives to share your life with others. Even if it takes an effort to make this change of approach, you can try it. The goal of limiting selfishness is also a learning process linked to emotional maturity of those who become aware that growing up implies assuming this gaze in the face of reality. Life educates our ego through its own wisdom because it breaks our expectations in many moments.
4. Listen to others
When the closest environment of friends and family regularly bumps into the ego of that person they love, at some point they raise this question. dissatisfaction with that trait that they observe in so many moments. Therefore, if different people have mentioned information that reminds you of this topic, perhaps it would be convenient for you to try to attend to those words to analyze what is true in them. If you need more advice, we recommend you read here how to stop being selfish with my partner.
5. Love yourself better
The egoist may believe that he loves himself a lot by attaching so much importance, however, the reality is that the way he treats himself does not positively reinforce his self-esteem. How to love yourself better Sharing your life with others from the breadth of seeking the common good.
Does that mean that selfishness can be reduced to zero to the point of not experiencing any such behavior again in the future? By educating your ego you come close to healthy selfishness to think of you without creating a wall between you and others.
This article is merely informative, in Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
