How To Stop Being Self Centered Person: (12 Little Ways)

In today’s article you’re going to learn everything you need to know about how to stop being self centered person.

If you’re concerned about being too focused on yourself, that indicates that you’ve taken a crucial first step towards transforming yourself. However, making changes can be challenging, so if you require further assistance on this path, we’re here to lend a hand.

We’ve created a helpful list of easy actions that you can take to shift your focus away from yourself and towards the needs of others. Even minor modifications to your everyday routine can have a significant effect!

How To Stop Being Self Centered Person:

1. One effective way to shift your focus away from yourself is to prioritize listening over talking.

Individuals who are self-centered typically steer conversations towards themselves and become disinterested if they are not the center of attention. However, you can break this habit by giving others your undivided attention and actively listening to what they have to say.

To practice active listening, put away any distractions, nod in agreement, and ask relevant questions. For instance, if your friend shares a story about their pet’s recent medical emergency, put away your phone and give them your full attention.

Show that you are engaged by nodding and asking follow-up questions like, “How is Tucker doing now? Is he still at the pet hospital or has he been released?” If you feel yourself becoming disinterested, remind yourself that other people’s lives and thoughts are just as significant as your own.

2. To gain a better understanding of others, try putting yourself in their shoes.

By visualizing yourself in their position, you can develop greater empathy and connect more deeply with them. If a friend is sharing a personal experience with you, and you find it difficult to relate, try to imagine how you would feel and what you would need if you were in their situation. Then, use that insight to guide your response to them.

For instance, if your colleague shares that their sibling passed away over the weekend, and you struggle to empathize because your own sibling is still alive, try to imagine the pain and grief you would experience if you were in their place. Show your support by saying something like, “I’m so sorry to hear that, Sally. My relationship with my own sibling is incredibly important to me, and I can only imagine how difficult this must be for you.”

3. Avoid using “I” and “me” statements excessively in conversations to resist the urge to constantly talk about yourself.

While it’s an easy habit to fall into, you cannot focus on others if you’re always talking about yourself. Actively work towards reducing the number of “I” and “me” statements you make on a daily basis. Research shows that limiting self-centeredness in conversation can boost your overall well-being and happiness, so remind yourself of this fact when it becomes challenging to break the habit.

For instance, instead of starting a conversation with a long-winded account of how you’re doing, try asking others about their well-being. Similarly, when your partner comes home, ask them about their day first before sharing your own experiences.

4. Learning how to compromise is a crucial skill in overcoming self-centeredness.

Individuals who are self-centered often have a tendency to prioritize their own desires and needs over others. However, by practicing compromise, you can learn to value and respect the needs and desires of others just as much as your own. Instead of demanding your way in every disagreement, try to find common ground and reach a mutual agreement that satisfies both parties involved.

For instance, if your partner suggests going on vacation, but you feel like it’s not feasible for your budget, consider compromising by planning a less expensive day trip or a more affordable activity, like hiking or going to a nearby beach. Make sure to express your appreciation to the other person for being willing to compromise. You might say, “Thank you for agreeing to go hiking this weekend. It means a lot to me, and I think we’re going to have a great time!”

SEE ALSO: How To Get a Life: 19 Awesome Strategies to Find Contentment

5. Sharing the spotlight is an important step in overcoming self-centeredness.

It can be tempting to take credit for everything, particularly when you’ve worked hard to achieve something. However, it’s essential to recognize the contributions of others and share the spotlight with them.

If you find yourself constantly seeking attention, try to focus on praising someone else’s achievements instead. Acknowledge the efforts of those who helped you attain your goals, and don’t hesitate to share center stage with them.

For instance, if your boss commends you on a project you submitted, make sure to acknowledge the hard work your team put in as well. Praising others not only helps you feel more connected to them, but it also enables you to shift your attention outward and become less self-centered.

6. If you tend to dominate group activities and conversations, try giving someone else the opportunity to lead or make decisions.

It’s okay to take a step back and let others take charge. This not only shows that you trust and value their input, but also helps you practice being a team player (1). Instead of always trying to control the situation, try to relax and let others have their say.

You might find that it takes the pressure off you and allows you to enjoy the experience more. Remember, it’s not always necessary to assert your opinion or ideas, especially if there are other viable solutions available.

7. To truly celebrate the success of others, it’s important to be genuinely happy for them and avoid comparing their success to your own.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of making everything about ourselves, but it’s important to break that habit. When a friend achieves something great, try to focus on their success, offer congratulations, and avoid bringing up your own situation. Avoid letting jealousy or envy take over, and instead, practice being genuinely happy for their achievements.

8. Expressing gratitude regularly can help shift your focus from what you lack to what you have, and it can improve your overall well-being.

Rather than taking things for granted, make a conscious effort to appreciate and acknowledge the good things in your life. You can start small by saying “thank you” more often, such as to a bus driver or a waiter.

Writing a gratitude journal or making lists of things you are thankful for can also help cultivate a habit of gratitude. Try to list at least five things that you appreciate each day or week. This practice can help you develop a more positive and thankful outlook on life.

SEE ALSO: How To Improve Your Character Traits: [19 Top Things To Do]

9. Research suggests that loneliness can lead to self-centeredness.

However, spending time with loved ones can help shift your focus outward, away from yourself. If you have been feeling lonely, it may be challenging to be more social, but it’s essential to try. You can push yourself out of your comfort zone by joining groups, taking classes, and accepting invitations.

Remember that becoming self-centered is a natural response to loneliness, but it can cause you to isolate yourself further, making you even more self-absorbed. Break the cycle by spending more time with friends and family.

10. Volunteering is a great way to break out of self-centeredness and focus on the needs of others.

When you give your time and energy selflessly to help others, it not only benefits them but also brings joy and fulfillment to your life. You feel more connected to your community and experience a sense of purpose (2). There are many opportunities to volunteer in your community, such as at a homeless shelter, local soup kitchen, or any other organization that aligns with your interests and values.

11. Having a pet can teach you how to be responsible for another living being’s needs.

If you struggle with commitment and empathizing with others, getting a pet can help you improve these skills. You can visit a local animal shelter and adopt a pet that needs a loving home. However, keep in mind that you’ll need to choose a pet that suits your lifestyle and the amount of attention you can give it.

For example, if you travel frequently, a low-maintenance pet like a fish or hamster might be a better choice than a dog that requires daily walks and attention. Similarly, if you enjoy being active outdoors, a dog could make a great companion. If you prefer a pet that’s fun and affectionate without needing training, a kitten could be a good option.

12. If you find it challenging to overcome self-centered behavior, it could be a sign of underlying mental health issues like anxiety or depression.

Don’t be too hard on yourself or give up just yet. It’s vital to realize that seeking help from a therapist doesn’t make you selfish. In fact, it’s a healthy step towards taking care of your mental and emotional wellbeing. A therapist can help you identify the root cause of your self-centeredness and provide you with the necessary support to overcome it.

To stop being a self-centered person, one can practice empathy by listening to others, taking a back seat and letting others lead, celebrating the success of others, practicing gratitude, spending more time with friends and family, volunteering in the community, getting a pet, and seeking help from a therapist if needed. These tips can help individuals develop a more outward focus, improve their relationships, and contribute positively to their community.

I want to thank you for taking the time to read my article about how to stop being self centered person. I sincerely hope its contents have been a good help to you.

Przemkas Mosky
Przemkas Mosky started Perfect 24 Hours in 2017. He is a Personal Productivity Specialist, blogger and entrepreneur. He also works as a coach assisting people to increase their motivation, social skills or leadership abilities. Read more here