Being selfless means being focused on the needs of others, rather than your own needs. It is one of the most endearing qualities you will possess.

It is Important to be Selfless

It is important to be selfless and to put others first. That doesn’t mean you neglect yourself, you can still do both. People who are selfless are giving. Selfless people are ready to put others first and will if they have to, express concern for others. Selflessness helps us to expand our thinking and how we perceive our world. We put people first because that’s right, because we’re generous and because we’re kind.

Selfless People Think Before they Act

People who are selfless continue to think about how their actions will affect others. It means they will judge less. Selflessness is an important key to relationships, friendships and marriage. It helps keep relationships real, keeps individuals grounded and humbled.

How to be More 'Selfless'

To be selfless, listen more and practice being kind. Choose to perform random acts of kindness, give without expecting back, be patient, and treat others how you would like to be treated. Selflessness is essential if we are to find contentment and fulfillment, but it may often be overlooked, because others may sometimes take advantage of those who are.

Ilana Estelle is a mental health and wellbeing advocate who combines educational insight with her personal experience of living with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. She holds diplomas in Counselling, Diet and Nutrition, Nutritional Therapy, Psychotherapy and Counselling, and Stress Management. Through her writing, Ilana supports others in navigating their emotional, mental, and physical health challenges. In addition to writing for The CP Diary, her work has appeared in healthy lifestyle magazines. Ilana is also the author of three books: Cerebral Palsy: A Story – Finding the Calm After the Storm, Spirituality, Healing and Me, and Survival: The Covid Years – Time for Change.

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4 comments on “Selflessness”

  1. As a child, I was forced to be selfless to the extent that if I didn't, I was considered selfish, so it's no wonder I have had such a hard time knowing the difference.

    It has caused me so much suffering in my life, with people taking advantage of this fact, but felt helpless to prevent them from doing it, since my parents would punish me for doing anything they considered to be selfish.

    It boggles my mind that any parent would do this to their children, but it shouldn't surprise me, seeing as I know so many that have done it.

    I just need to try to remember the difference between being 'selfless' and 'selfish.'

    1. Thanks Randy. I think you already know you're the former and not the latter Randy. I think you also know those who are selfish.

      It's always better to be selfless than selfish. Being selfish serves to alienate family and friends and in society.

      It's not difficult to understand the difference, the difficult part is us putting it into practice, when we've been groomed to do the opposite.

      I know it can be done, it's a conscious change.

  2. Being selfless means putting others' needs and wishes above your own, instead of always acting in your own interest.

    There will always be someone out their who has a greater need than yours, and we have a responsibility towards that person's needs, not ourselves.

    I have found that you get much more by giving.

    1. Thanks. Yes, we know what selflessness means, we're just not doing it, but I agree we do get more out of giving that we do taking.

      Taking without giving is selfish, particularly if it's something you continually do. I do think personality has a lot to do with whether we will be selfless or not.

      Upbringing is important, but even without our upbringing, we can still learn to be selfless. Instinctively and intuitively it can be done.

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