Difference between selfishness and self-worth.

Difference between selfishness and self-worth.
Posted on 21-03-2022

Differentiating between selfishness and self-worth is extremely important in order to break with a certain prejudice that establishes that any act of self-care, of valuing one's own aspects, of setting limits is considered selfish.

And selfishness is, in turn, very poorly conceived socially. There are many speeches and mandates that focus exclusively on solidarity action towards others but despise self-care.

Stripping and ignoring oneself in pursuit of turning to external demands is not the answer. And selfishness is also present in much of this because the recognition and image of “being good and doing the right thing” has a lot of weight for those who are in that position.

We can establish certain differences between both concepts that allow us to change certain stagnant associations and enable us to reflect and produce others.

Egoism is not a negative state in itself. There are times when we must inevitably be selfish. We go through periods of illness, emotional disturbances, experiences that are difficult to metabolize, or episodes that activate our survival mode in which we momentarily place all our attention on ourselves. With some variations, of course, as it depends on the subject and the situation. But in essence, it is to be expected that there will be moments in which directing attention to the environment is not possible.

Selfishness takes on another dimension when the person in question cannot leave that place. That is to say, their energy is oriented almost exclusively towards themselves, presenting great difficulty in attending to or prioritizing the demands of others. 

Egoism thus described differs considerably from Self- Value. This allows, as the term itself indicates, to value and recognize one's own aspects, put limits on external demands, protect the health, and exercise self-care. This does not make it impossible to register and attend to the demands of others. On the contrary, the person who has developed self-worth will be more emotionally available to others and will forge healthier bonds.

Being able to value one's own is an act of personal empowerment. It is separated from the attitude of constant selfishness or haughtiness. In fact, constantly bragging about oneself is an attitude that rather denotes a lack of personal appreciation, and for this reason, it requires the constant search for recognition.

Thus we can establish differences: a selfish person does not necessarily value himself, and self-worth does not imply selfishness. 

A person with a high degree of narcissism cannot direct his attention to others. Even though he does it externally, he is not emotionally available for that other, his focus is on himself, and he cannot redirect it, whatever the reason this happens to him.

This is distinguished from the attention that we must necessarily turn to ourselves eventually. Attending to one's own issues is essential to being able to resolve them.

Having marked these questions, we understand, first of all, that attention to oneself is not a problem in itself. We need to work on our own issues because this is what enables greater awareness and changes on a personal and collective level.

If care and self-worth develop, the person feels empowered to set limits and respect their own needs and desires. Enabling, at the same time, greater empathy and respect for the differences and needs of others.

 

Thank You

GovtVacancy.Net