Last week we looked at how you can know if you are too selfish. How did you do on those revealing questions?

What I found is that the two events in my life that have made me less selfish is getting married and having children. But if I’m not careful, it can stop there. I can be less selfish at home but, and then super selfish at work or with my friends, or just selfish in general to people around me in the world.

Here are some things we can all do to be less selfish:

  • Listen to others: This is a great place to start being less selfish. When someone talks to you about something they are dealing with, just listen. Not listen but then automatically start thinking about a brilliant solution. Not listen but then you can hardly wait for them to take a breath so that you can start talking about what you’ve experienced or how that has happened to you. It’s annoying, trust me. Just listen and when you open your mouth to respond, ask yourself, “Is what I am about to say going to help this person or am I just eager to bring the focus of the conversation back onto myself?”
  • Do something for someone who can do nothing for you: These days, it’s the “you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” mentality. But that will not help you to be less selfish. Instead, look for ways to do something for someone who can do nothing in return for you. Maybe it’s the petrol station attendant, or the cashier in the grocery store, or car park assistant. Do something nice for them or buy them a treat. Or do something for someone you know, but do it anonymously. For instance, wheel your neighbour’s trash can back into their yard, mow their lawn when they are not home, or bring a co-worker a hot beverage when they step away from their desk. I think you get the picture.

These are just a few things we can all start doing that will go a long way in helping us to be less selfish. Willing to give it a try?

The Bible talks about the most selfless act in the whole world is someone giving up their life for someone else. That’s what Jesus did for us all. To learn more about this selfless act of extreme love, click on the pop up of the banner below.