12 Tips On How To Be Selfless

Should you be selfless and put the needs of others first?

No, but there is only a small difference between the two, and selflessness means wanting to help others without expecting something in return. Selflessness brings you a lot of joy and at the same time you are also kinder.

Search the web for a definition of selflessness and one of the first is certainly “a person who cares more about the needs of others than their own needs and desires”. Ask yourself how many times you’ve helped others, whether it’s right for you and whether it’s comfortable for you.

The importance of selfless thinking

Selflessness allows you to understand the world from the perspectives of others and visualize problems, attitudes, and reactions from a different perspective. Developing selflessness is not easy, but it is definitely rewarding.

According to Allan Luks and Peggy Payne’s book The Healing Power of Doing Good: The Health and Spiritual Benefits of Helping Others  , selflessness reduces stress and increases emotional balance.

Moreover, the satisfaction brought by selflessness is not just a momentary state of being, but it comes whenever you remember to take care of others. It raises your self-esteem, self-confidence and social skills as well as giving something back to your environment.

Tips for selfless activities

Take a few minutes and think about how to support another person without trying to prop up your own ego. Does that make you feel difficult? Keep reading, the following tips can make it easier.

1. Be empathetic

Selflessness transcends your own thoughts, feelings, and desires. It’s not just about your desires, it’s about listening to and understanding others. This also means knowing the pros and cons of other people. It will help you identify all the ways you can bring more light into their lives.

2. Listen more and talk less

One way to show interest is to listen to another person. Especially if he wants to share his achievement or problems.

Ask him how his day went, and give him a chance to express himself as well as talk about his problems. You will soon find that he wants to hear your hearings from you too.

3. Don’t criticize

Edit, don’t highlight the downsides. There are many ways to say the same thing, and it is better to give constructive feedback if your opinion on the matter is not positive. Emphasize the good and encourage it.

4. Love yourself

It is impossible to love others if you do not love yourself. Genuine selflessness begins when you love yourself and this is how you can love others. One way to love yourself is to be grateful for who you are.

5. It is not always a good thing to stand out

It is not a bad thing to be generous; however, it is not necessary to try to elevate one’s position or expect rewards for kindness. Let the facts speak for you, and help those in need. It makes your actions selfless.

6. Treat others the way you would like to be treated

Start with your own family and offer them something good, for example. Small deeds pave the way for bigger gestures. No, you don’t have to please others, but you understand how small gestures of good mood can bring.

7. Increase your patience

Unselfish people tend to practice patience, a desirable quality to avoid frustration or anger. So don’t despair, your time will come.

There is no reason to be angry with the people in front of you; keep in mind that it could be you. Instead, start a conversation; it is more comfortable for everyone.

8. Say less “no”

It is often better to say “yes” so stay positive in situations that do not involve risk or danger and that bring happiness as well as joy to others. There is usually some way to give or help others. So, why not do it if it matters a lot to someone in need!

9. Let life take you

You don’t always have to, and can’t, control everything in the environment. Managing events is not always important. You get more when you let life take you and let it surprise you with its potential. Eventually, you will see how rewarding it is to help others.

10. Reflect on your behavior

Take time to reflect on your habits, thoughts, and actions. Check the way you treat yourself and the way you treat others. Also analyze if you could have given or loved more.

However, don’t take it as a punishment, it will only make things worse the next day. Some psychologists recommend meditation of loving kindness to deal with emotions.

11. Follow the pattern of selflessness

Take a model of a person you admire and feel selfless. Understand how he helps others and how his actions affect so many people. There are many good examples.

12. Forgive me

Forgive those who apologize. Visualizing events from another perspective will help increase your compassion. It’s not easy to apologize to someone who hurt you, but it’s a big step toward selflessness as well as peaceful coexistence.

The value of selflessness

After all, selflessness means treating others the way you would like to be treated, and at the same time not harming them in any way in your own interest. In fact, the value of selflessness is reflected in personal growth and selfless action for the well-being of others.

Don’t limit selflessness to any particular time and be generous every day. For example, offer a seat for an elderly or pregnant person on the bus, Donate clothes you no longer use, keep the elevator door open, greet you on arrival at work, and wish people a good day.

These daily actions nourish your mind, soul, and emotions as you do them from your heart without waiting for recognition from others.