4 Ways on How to Be Less Self Centered And Start To Care For Others

Some researchers hypothesize that mental health conditions might be proliferating because of technology resulting in an increased focus on the self.

For example, Facebook is for sharing our views, Pinterest is for amassing items we enjoy, LinkedIn existing to document our achievements, and so forth.

Self-obsession entails focusing on oneself. It just implies that you pay attention to your feelings, thoughts, and actions—your beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors.

Self-focus isn’t inherently bad. In individualistic societies, being introspective and self-aware is highly regarded.

We want to figure out who we are and why we do what we do in order to discover possible strategies for enhancing our lives and improving our well-being.

What causes one to be self-centered?

There is no one answer to this question as everyone is different. However, some possible causes of self-centeredness could include things like:

Narcissism

Narcissists tend to be highly self-centered and focused on their own needs and goals to the exclusion of others. They may also have a sense of entitlement, expecting others to cater to their needs and give them special treatment.

As a result, narcissists can be difficult to work with and often make poor team members. In worst cases, narcissism can lead to a complete lack of empathy, resulting in callous and even abusive behavior.

While narcissism has its advantages, it’s important to be aware of its potential dark side.

Low self-esteem

In some cases, self-centeredness can be the result of low self-esteem.

When someone feels that they are not worthy of love or attention, they may start to believe that the only way to get what they need is to take it from others.

As a result, they may become excessively self-involved in an effort to fill the empty spaces within themselves.

While this behavior is often destructive, it is important to remember that it stems from a place of deep insecurity. With understanding and compassion, we can help those with low self-esteem to find a more positive sense of identity.

Lack of empathy

Lack of empathy is often the root cause of this behavior. It is an important part of our social interactions, as it allows us to connect with others on a deeper level.

Without empathy, we would be unable to understand or relate to the experiences of others. This would make it difficult to build relationships or even communicate effectively.

Furthermore, a lack of empathy can lead to a sense of entitlement and a need for constant attention and approval. When we cannot empathize with others, we are more likely to see them as objects that exist for our own benefit.

This can result in self-centered behavior, as we become more focused on our own needs than the needs of those around us.

Certain life experiences

While it is not uncommon for people to be self-centered at times, certain life experiences can cause this trait to become more pronounced.

For example, growing up in a household where one’s needs are constantly met without having to consider the needs of others can lead to a sense of entitlement and self-absorption.

Similarly, experiencing trauma or adversity can make it difficult for someone to empathize with others, leading them to focus primarily on their own experiences and needs.

Read also: How to Make Your Mindset Strong

How do I make myself less self-centered?

There are several steps you need to do to be less self-centered. It includes:

Acknowledge that you have a problem

The first step is admitting that you might have a problem with being too self-centered.

This can be difficult for some people to do because it requires humility and a willingness to see yourself in a less than favorable light.

If you’re not sure whether you suffer from this condition, ask yourself whether you frequently think or talk about yourself and your own experiences.

Do you have difficulty empathizing with others?
Are you always looking for ways to make yourself the center of attention?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, it’s likely that you could benefit from learning how to be less self-centered.

Make a conscious effort to think about others

Once you’ve acknowledged that you have a problem with being too self-centered, the next step is to make a conscious effort to start thinking about others.

This doesn’t mean that you should stop thinking about yourself entirely. Instead, try to focus your thoughts on other people and their experiences.

When you’re talking to someone, really listen to what they’re saying and try to see things from their perspective.

When you’re making decisions, think about how your choices will affect others. And when you’re experiencing good fortune, take a moment to consider all the people who are less fortunate than you and be grateful for what you have.

Be more humble

Another important step in learning how to be less self-centered is to be more humble. This means that you should stop bragging about your accomplishments and downplay your importance.

Instead of always trying to be the center of attention, try to blend into the background and let others take the spotlight for a while.

When you’re with friends or family, resist the urge to one-up them or make everything about you. And when you’re at work, don’t try to take all the credit for yourself—give others the recognition they deserve.

Practice self-compassion

In addition to being more humble, it’s also important to practice self-compassion. This means that you should be kind and understanding towards yourself, even when you make mistakes.

Instead of beating yourself up or dwelling on your shortcomings, try to accept yourself for who you are and focus on your positive qualities.

When you’re feeling down, give yourself a break and do something that makes you happy. And when you’re facing a difficult situation, remind yourself that everyone goes through tough times—you’re not alone.

Learning how to be less self-centered takes time and effort, but it’s definitely possible. By following the steps outlined above, you can gradually start to change your thinking and become more focused on others.

With practice, you’ll eventually develop a more balanced view of yourself and the world around you.

The takeaway

The most important thing to remember is that being less self-centered doesn’t mean you have to stop thinking about yourself entirely. Instead, it’s all about finding a healthy balance between considering your own needs and the needs of others.

A little self-awareness and practice can go a long way in helping you become more empathetic and understanding towards others.

So, if you’re ready to start making some changes, take the first step today and see where it takes you.