How to Spot Selfish Behavior in Yourself

Selfishness is putting your own needs and desires before everyone else's, often disregarding their feelings or well-being. It can lead to broken friendships and damaged relationships because people may feel unvalued or used. While thinking of oneself is natural at times, being overly selfish can create a negative environment, making it hard for others to connect or trust you. Finding a balance between self-care and considering others is essential for healthy interactions.

The definition of self-obsessed is

"Thinking or worrying continuously about your own life and circumstances so that you do not think of anything else; thinking only about yourself."

I'm an only child so self-obsession, selfishness, and self-centeredness were a way of life. It took me until 2015 when I walked into AA where I began working the steps and learning from other people over the years, that I have learned to be less selfish.

I was reminded of my selfishness recently as I read Authentically, Uniquely You by Joyce Meyer, specifically page 196 and the section titled "The Problem of Self."  I'm inserting a photo that I took of the list from that page.

Oh boy, I remember good old "Self-pity" or "woe is me" leading to "pour me a drink."  Thank God I don't have to live that way anymore.

I still struggle with self-confidence and worrying about what others are going to think. I can laugh now but I had buried several pairs of expensive name-brand exercise leggings in my dresser because they weren't dark colored. They were from a subscription box and I couldn't choose the colors. Huh? I was concerned that when I sweat, it might look like I peed myself during a workout. 😃  I finally decided that I really don't care and I've started wearing the leggings.  Pretty silly, right?

Learning the word of God has helped me with my self-sufficiency.  The one person that I should always ask for help is God.  God will guide me as to what I need.

I caught myself self-justifying the other day.  We had a client who submitted a ticket with sensitive data so I opened a ticket with our security group.  In an exchange with our director, I thought he was saying I was wrong so I justified that I did what I felt was right.  He clarified that I was right in opening the ticket with our security group so the sensitive data could be scrubbed from our ticketing system and the end user educated on how to securely provide sensitive data in the future.

I hope what I've shared with you allows you to look inwardly to see if you have any problems of self that you need to work on with help from a loving God.

Resources: 

Oxford Learner's Dictionary

Ryan Robinson Blogging Tools

Joyce Meyer's Authentically, Uniquely You

YouVersion - Scripture Image

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