It is worth repeating: Doing what we think is right isn't always the right thing to do. We should balance near-term and long-term, and THINK through our choices.
"Good, Neutral, and Bad Selfishness"
Despite the negative connotation of "selfish," selfishness is not always bad
John A. Johnson Ph.D. Cui Bono
Posted Jan 15, 2015
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/cui-bono/201501/good-neutral-and-bad-selfishness
"According to some experts, selfish behavior is not only immoral, but it is also bad for your own psychological well-being. Renowned positive psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky has written an essay (link is external) claiming that research supports the Chinese proverb that ends, "If you want happiness for a lifetime, help someone else.""
But this is not a universal truth. No it is NOT always true; selfish decisions and acts can be for the good.
"The reason that one-sided or win-lose transactions are not always good for me is that there are negative consequences for me that outweigh the temporary gains."
But there is more to this than seen.
"In addition to bad selfishness and neutral selfishness, there is also what I call "good selfishness," which benefits both ourselves and other people. Harry Browne refers to good selfishness as a two-sided transaction, an exchange where two people willingly part with something in order to gain something they value. Because both people are winning something they want, Covey calls this a win-win transaction."
"Becoming Selfish: Why Putting Yourself First Is The Best Decision You'll Ever Make"
When you put yourself first, happily ever after follows.
Meara Mosny, 29 Sep 2015
https://www.theodysseyonline.com/becoming-selfish-putting-yourself-first
"The key is finding balance, and here is how you may begin to do just that:
1. Believing in yourself and being self confident.
2. Not overthinking.
3. Don't be a pushover.
4. Don't feel guilty about cutting ties.
5. Find your individual standards of happiness.
6. Remember to be open and receptive to others' feelings."
"When Being Selfish Is a Good Thing"
By Kait Hanson, 28 June 2014
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kait-sawyer/conscious-relationships_b_5527878.html
"
People have truly come to believe that we must sacrifice a piece of ourselves in order to be considered good people. But what good can you do if your own personal happiness is in the balance—constantly striving to appease others?
"Sometimes you have to be selfish to be selfless.” — Edward Albert
The reality is that to be truly happy, you need to put “you” first sometimes. If that means being selfish, do so with a smile on your face. Am I saying to ignore others or how they feel, always choose yourself or become completely inconsiderate 100-percent of the time? Absolutely not — life is about balance."
More.
"Once you allow your inner happiness to blossom, and your self-love to become a priority, you will attract the right attention."
People will like you as you grow, love you as you inspire! Love yourself first.
