The Badass Skill Nobody Taught You
Why Being Selfish is the Best Way to Help Others
It was a Tuesday night. I'd just dragged my ass home after a long day at the office. My brain wanted no more after staring at a screen fixing code all day, and all I wanted was to face-plant into my bed. Then my phone starts blowing up. It's my buddy, knee-deep in some drama, begging me to come over and help him sort his shit out. Girlfriend issues.
Sigh...
Now, normally, I'd be the guy who'd drag himself back out the door. Mr. Reliable, always there to save the day. But this time? I looked at that phone, looked at my bed, and you know what I did?
I chose me. I turned that phone off and got my ass some sleep.
Yeah, I felt like crap at first. But here's the thing—the next morning, I woke up feeling like a new man. Refreshed, recharged, ready to take on the world. And guess what? My buddy? He figured his shit out on his own.
That's when it hit me: sometimes, being selfish isn't just okay—it's fucking necessary.
Now, I know what you're thinking. "Selfish? That's a dick move, right?" Wrong. Dead wrong. And I'm about to tell you why.
Stick with me, 'cause I'm gonna flip everything you think you know about being selfish on its head.
The Bad Rap of Selfishness
Look, selfishness gets a bad rap, and I get it. We've all been fed this line that being selfish makes you a greedy asshole who doesn't give a shit about anyone else.
But here's the deal: you gotta be selfish before you can be selfless. It's not just okay - it's fucking necessary.
Think about it. How the hell are you supposed to take care of anyone else if you're running on empty?
It's like trying to pour from an empty cup - ain't gonna happen. You gotta fill your own tank first.
That's not being selfish; that's just common sense.
The Hypocrisy of Selflessness Preachers
Here's something that really pisses me off: those people who are always preaching about selflessness? Nine times out of ten, they're the ones benefiting from everyone else's sacrifice. They're putting their needs above yours, expecting you to set your life on fire to keep them warm.
That's the real selfish move right there.
Being selfish isn't just okay, it's a survival skill. Who else is gonna put food on your table? Keep a roof over your head? Make your dreams happen? That's right - you.
So wear that selfishness like a badge of honor. I sure as hell do.
The Balance: Selfish vs. Selfless
Now, I'm not saying to be a total jerk. We should help each other out - that's how society functions.
But there's a line.
You don't have to set yourself on fire to keep someone else warm, especially if they're just gonna bitch about the temperature.
Now, I can hear some of you already: "But what about society? What about the greater good? If everyone just looked out for themselves, wouldn't the world go to shit?"
Fair point. I'll give you that.
The argument goes something like this: humans are social creatures. We've gotten where we are by working together, by sacrificing for each other. Think about firefighters running into burning buildings, parents giving up sleep for their kids, or volunteers helping out after natural disasters. Isn't that selflessness what makes us human?
And yeah, there's some truth to that. A world where everyone only looked out for number one would be a pretty fucked up place. No one helping anyone, everyone just stepping over each other to get ahead. Sounds like a dystopian nightmare, right?
Plus, there's the whole karma argument. What goes around comes around. If you're always selfish, won't people stop helping you when you need it? You could end up alone and screwed when shit hits the fan.
I get it. These are solid points. But here's the thing - they're missing the bigger picture.
From Selfish to Selfless: The Natural Progression
Being selfish now lets you be more selfless later. Get your shit together first. Build yourself up. Then, when you're solid, stable, and have something to give?
That's when you can start thinking about others. But you gotta take care of you first.
Learn to say no to others and yes to yourself. If people wanna call you selfish, let 'em. Do what you gotta do to take care of yourself. 'Cause once you're taken care of, that's when you can really start giving back. And trust me, you'll have a hell of a lot more to give.
Conclusion: Embrace Your Selfishness, Change Your World
Look, I get it. The idea of putting yourself first can feel wrong, especially when we're bombarded with messages about sacrifice and selflessness. But, being selfish isn't just okay, it's essential.
Remember that friend I didn't rush to help? Guess what - the world didn't end. He figured his shit out, and I was in a much better place to be there for him later. That's the power of smart selfishness.
By taking care of yourself first, you're not just helping yourself, you're setting yourself up to be a goddamn superhero for others when it really counts.
So here's my challenge to you: start being selfish. Unapologetically. Strategically. Take care of your needs. Chase your dreams. Set boundaries. Say "no" when you need to. Watch how it transforms not just your life, but your ability to impact others.
Will some people call you selfish? Probably. Let 'em. You know the truth - you're not being selfish, you're being smart. You're playing the long game.
Now get out there and start putting yourself first. Your future self (and the world) will thank you for it.
Quote of the Day:
"He who lives in harmony with himself lives in harmony with the universe." - Marcus Aurelius
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