Selfless or Selfish – It’s a Balancing Act

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by | Apr 24, 2017 | blog

Selflessness vs. Selfishness

From the time we’re young, we’re taught that being selfish is bad and being selfless is good. We learn that to be a good person, we must put others’ needs first.

We hold those we consider selfless in high regard.

How many times have we called someone a “saint” because of their selflessness? And, boy, do we go out of our way to avoid being called “selfish.”

What I want to talk about today will probably raise some eyebrows, but I’m asking you to be a bit more selfish…when it comes to taking care of yourself.

 

Finding Balance

Now don’t get me wrong, I love to help people. I love giving of myself. There’s no better feeling. But just like everything else, there must be a balance.

It’s one thing to be selfless and get satisfaction out of helping others, it’s another thing when our selflessness turns into a complete focus on everyone’s needs but our own. For some of us, this constant selflessness is a way to avoid dealing with our own issues. For example, if I’m always doing for others, I don’t have to think about the fact I’m overweight /out of shape, I smoke too much, etc.

When we put all our efforts into fulfilling others’ needs, we end up putting our needs on the back burner. The problem is, if we continually ignore our needs, it can have a negative effect on our health. We run the risk of feeling burnt out, overwhelmed and even resentful.

 

Putting Your Health First

The truth is, when it comes to your health, it’s not selfish to put yourself first. Here’s another truth – when you take care of yourself first, you’re more able to give of yourself.

It’s all about finding balance. What’s selfish about that?

We’re all in this together.

You Got This.

 

This Week’s O’Nealism: I once heard someone say, “Never look down on anyone, unless you’re bending over helping them up.”

 

About O'Neal Hampton

After being diagnosed as a type 2 diabetic and weighing 420 pounds, O’Neal Hampton Jr. became a contestant during the 2010 season of NBC’s "The Biggest Loser." It was then that he was introduced to NuStep. Through the O'Neal Hampton Wellness Foundation, he educates others on the value and importance of exercise and nutrition. O’Neal Hampton Jr. is a NuStep spokesperson.