The
definition of “selfless” is to be more concerned with the well-being of others
than yourself. Do you feel that you embody that description? A
lifestyle like this isn’t easy because it doesn’t come naturally to many
people. You need to have the desire to be selfless. This is a decision you will
never regret.
Making
the world a better place will cause you to be
a happier person. Are you ready to take steps down the path of becoming
selfless? Below
are some helpful tips:
“I have learned that it is by serving that we learn how to serve.
When we engaged in the service of our fellowmen, not only do our deeds assist
them but we put our own problems in fresher perspective. When we concern
ourselves more with others, there is less time to be concerned with ourselves.” (Spencer W. Kimball)
1.
Be
selfless (when no one knows): Selfless
people don't act with kindness and generosity with the expectation of getting
credited for it. They do it because it's the right thing to do, and because it
feels good to help other people when you have the capacity to do so. Donating
something anonymously is a good way to practice being generous without needing
to get something in return.
2. Donate
what you can: Donating money and goods is another great selfless act
that you should practice. Take a look at your budget and decide how much you
can give. Consider picking out a few charities to which you regularly donate a
specific money amount.
Donate food, clothing, and other
material goods to homeless shelters, disaster relief organizations, and animal
shelters. (Places like the National Kidney Services and Vietnam Veterans will
even pick up your gently used house items if they are placed in front of your
home).
“Perform anonymous service. Whenever we do good for
others anonymously, our sense of intrinsic worth and self-respect increases.
... Selfless service has always been one of the most powerful methods of
influence.” (Stephen Covey)
3.
Don't value your schedule more than other‘s
time: When you start feeling your blood pressure rise,
remember that every other person in the room has time constraints that are as
important as yours. Having a bad day doesn't give you the right to make someone
else suffer for it.
4.
Horizon
widening: If you’re consumed by your own problems, you won’t have the
energy to help anyone else unselfishly. Really listen when other people are
talking. Don’t let your mind wander when someone is confiding in you about
their challenges, Be aware of the world (local, and community) events. Read novels. because
reading literary fiction improves your ability to be empathetic.
5.
Learn
to forgive and forget: Forgiving someone who has wronged you can be difficult, but
it’s also a great demonstration of selflessness. The selfless person sees the
situation from the other person’s point of view. It is better to foster peace,
love and forgiveness than spitefulness and hate.
6. Model yourself after a selfless individual: Being selfless isn't always pleasurable. Putting other people's
needs before your own is usually worth it in the end, but it's often extremely
difficult to act in someone else's interest when you have your own needs to
attend to. Think of a person whom you would
describe as selfless. What selfless actions have they taken? What impact did
the actions have? When you’re trying to make a selfless choice, just ask
yourself what that person would have done?
7.
Remember to take care of yourself:
Being selfless can take an emotional toll if you don't take time to restore your
energy. If you find yourself constantly catering to other people's needs, you
might need to focus on yourself for awhile. If you aren't physically and
emotionally healthy, you won't be strong enough to be present for other
people’s needs. You are just as important as everyone else is so respect
yourself.
8.
Take pleasure in other happiness: Have you ever
experienced a rush of joy when you made someone else happy? The act of
selflessness can bring great pleasure. If you take pleasure in other people's
happiness, you'll be more likely to find further ways to be selfless.
“A person can learn a lot from a
dog (even a loopy one like ours). Marley taught me about living each day with
unbridled exuberance and joy; about seizing the moment and following your
heart.
He taught me to appreciate the
simple things: a walk in the woods, a fresh snowfall, a nap in a shaft of
winter sunlight…As he grew old and achy, he taught me about optimism in the
face of adversity. Mostly, he taught me about friendship and selflessness…
Above all else, [he
taught me] unwavering loyalty.” (John Grogan, author of Marley
& Me)
9.
Think about how other’s feel:
Empathy and selflessness go hand in hand. If you understand how someone else
feels, you'll be more likely to be moved to act selflessly toward that person.
You can have empathy toward people you've never met, too. Practice imagining
yourself in other people's situations. If you were the one experiencing the
problem, how would you feel? How would you want to be treated?
10.
Volunteer your time (and skills):
This is one of the most rewarding ways to practice selflessness. When you
volunteer your time and skills, all you get in return is the rewarding sense
that you've played a part in helping your community. Volunteering may actually
boost happiness and longevity. Websites like volunteermatch.com provide
information on opportunities in cities across the US.
“Everywhere in life; the true question is not what
we gain, but what we do.”(Thomas Carlyle)
“Often the answer to our prayer does not come while we’re on our
knees but while we’re on our feet serving the Lord and serving those around us.
Selfless acts of service and consecration refine our spirits remove the scales
from our spiritual eyes and open the windows of Heaven. By becoming the answer
to someone’s prayer we often find the answer to our own.” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf) [i]
[i] Sources used:
· “11 Steps to Becoming Selfless” by Addam Corre
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