If you are worried that you might be too focused on yourself, here are some tips to overcome self-centered behavior. Worrying about it means you care enough to want to change, and that is already a big first step. Changing how you think or act can be hard, but you don’t have to do it alone.
In this article, we shared an easy-to-follow guide with simple tips that will help you think less about yourself and more about helping or understanding others. Even small actions, like being kinder or more thoughtful, having more self-awareness can make a big difference in your life and the lives of people around you.
Here are some practical tips to overcome self-centered behavior.
Make Listening Your Priority
Instead of focusing on what you want to say, take the time to truly listen to others. Pay attention to what they are saying without interrupting or turning the conversation toward yourself. Sometimes, people who only think about themselves might lose interest when the spotlight is not on them. If that sounds like you, don’t worry; you can change it.
Start by giving others your full attention. Show that you care by putting away your phone or other distractions. Nod to show you are listening and ask questions about what they are sharing with you.
If you feel bored, remind yourself that what other people say is just as valuable as your thoughts. Active listening shows respect. It strengthens your relationships with others.
Try to Understand How Others Feel
When you imagine being in someone else’s situation, it can help you understand their feelings better. For example, if a friend is sharing something important with you, but you are not feeling very connected to what they are saying, try to think about how you would feel if you were in their shoes. Ask yourself, “How would I feel? What would I need in this situation?” This can help you respond with more empathy.
For instance, Let us imagine your coworker is crying because their sister passed away. You might not know exactly what they are going through because your sister is healthy. However, if you think about how sad you would feel if you lost your sister, you might better understand your coworker’s pain. You could then say something that can be comforting. This shows that you care and are trying to understand their feelings.
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Talk Less About Yourself
It is easy to fall into the habit of talking about yourself all the time. However, if you focus only on yourself, you might miss the chance to connect with others. Try to say less “I” and “me” in your conversations.
Research shows that when you focus less on yourself, you can feel happier and healthier. So, when you feel the urge to talk about your own day or experiences, stop! Remind yourself that it is a good idea to shift the focus to others. For example, instead of starting a conversation by telling someone about your day, ask them how they are doing first. This small change can make a big difference in your relationships.
Learn How to Compromise
Selfish people always want things to go their way, which is unfair to others. You need to learn how to compromise. To compromise is to understand that other people’s needs are just as important as yours. When you have a disagreement, try to find a middle ground where both sides get something they want.
For example, if your partner wants to take an expensive vacation but you think it is too expensive, you could agree on a simpler plan. You can try to convince them to at least go on a one-day trip or something free. You can also suggest activities like hiking or going to the beach.
When you compromise, let the other person know you appreciate their effort. You can say something like, “Thank you for agreeing to go hiking this weekend. It really means a lot, and I think we will have a great time.”
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Share the Spotlight
Giving credit to others does not take away from your own success. While it feels nice to be recognized for your hard work, it is also important to acknowledge the contributions of others. If someone helps you achieve something, do not take all the credit. They might not be willing to help or work with you the next time.
For example, if your boss praises a project you worked on, mention the efforts of your teammates who helped make it happen. Praising others will not only show respect but will also strengthen your connection with them. It also enables you to focus less on yourself.
Let Others Take the Lead
Do you always feel like you need to be the one in charge? It is not a bad thing. However, taking a step back and letting someone else lead is sometimes good. For example, if you are working on a group project, let another person make the big decisions.
Instead of speaking for everyone during a meeting, allow others to share their ideas. Even when you are out with friends trying to decide where to eat, let someone else choose. As for you, just sit back and enjoy the moment. It is still important to speak up when it really matters, but you do not always have to be the one in control. Letting others take the lead can make things more fun and less stressful for you.
Be Happy for Others’ Wins
When someone else achieves something great, like a friend getting a big promotion or winning a competition, try to feel happy for them. Do this without comparing yourself with them.
It is easy to make their success about how you feel by thinking about your struggles or failures. Instead, focus on their happiness. Congratulate them sincerely, and try not to let jealousy take over. Supporting others feels good. It will also help you build stronger friendships. It is not always about you. Sometimes, it is just about celebrating someone else’s awesome moment.
In conclusion, building good interpersonal relationships with others means making small changes that matter. Letting others take charge sometimes and being happy for their success can help you connect better with people.
