Selfless people dedicate their lives to helping others. Those with a selfless personality genuinely enjoy using their free time, money, empathy, and compassion to give back to those in need.
Through acts of kindness, selfless people like Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi, Buddha, and Jesus Christ have shown the world that it is possible to live a beautiful and fulfilling life looking out for more than just yourself. But what exactly does it mean to be selfless?
Acts of selflessness include things like putting other people’s needs in front of your own, being generous and caring, and concerning yourself with the well-being of others. Selfless people are altruistic, giving and expecting nothing in return. If you do those things more often than not, you are selfless.
Being selfless does not mean you have to do massive things for people who need it. Small acts that might seem inconsequential on the surface can be selfless as well. Even encouraging someone by cheering them on from the sideline is an act of selflessness.
Being selfless cannot be attributed to how you were raised or what comes naturally to you. It is a combination of both nature and nurture. Stopping to ask someone in distress if you can help or actively listening to a person who wants to be heard are examples of ways people can be selfless.
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A truly selfless person is giving of their time and money. Whether it’s helping with a project, feeding people in need, or spending time with elderly family members, they have no problem putting their own needs on the back burner to put a smile on someone else’s face.
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Being empathetic means putting yourself in the shoes of someone else. Their situation may not directly affect you, but you show compassion for what they are going through and do your best to be there for them.
Putting others first doesn’t have to be a big feat. You can allow someone else to pick the place you eat or give the last bite to your mate. Even taking time out of your day to do something nice when you’d rather be sitting on the couch is a wonderful and selfless thing to do.
Despite what you’ve heard of your own unconscious bias, you trust people until they give you a reason not to. You take what people tell you at face value and are eager to help.
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Your empathy allows you to be understanding about the plights of other people. You are patient and willing to hear them out. Selfless people are also open-minded and able to consider all perspectives.
Flexibility and compromise are key to being selfless. It can’t always be your way or the highway. The idea is to come to an agreement that makes everyone feel good. Giving a little to get a little is the ultimate act of selflessness.
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Most people listen to respond because they are selfish and only concerned with how they view a situation. Active listening is foregoing what you want to say for a moment and really hearing and understanding another person’s point of view. Selfless people do this with ease.
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Selfish people usually have ulterior motives for anything they do for another person. If you are selfless, you give without the expectation of receiving kudos, payment, respect, or love. You do it because it’s in your heart to do so.
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Forgiveness can be hard, but selfless people have mastered it. By now, it is common knowledge that forgiving is for you, not the person who hurt you. By letting go of the hurt and resentment, you not only let the offender off the hook, but you free yourself from the binds of anger and welcome good vibes.
Some people do what makes them happy without any thought of the consequences. Selfless folks not only think about how their actions will serve their best interests, but they consider the repercussions on the people around them and the environment.
Being selfless can be a beautiful thing. Without charitable people, we wouldn’t have clothing donations and would see yard sales popping up everywhere when people get rid of things they no longer need. It literally tears a selfless person up inside to see others in pain and suffering.
But the downside is that people with selfless qualities may give too much at their own expense. Being exposed to the fear and stress of others can impact their own mental and emotional stability and lead to emotional burnout. If selflessness becomes self-sacrifice, your own value will come from what people think about you and how much praise you receive for your actions.
Being selfless should extend not only to others, but to yourself as well. If you can find the balance between being of service to other people and practicing self-love and self-care on yourself, everyone will win.
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Kidney Ausler is a writer from Seattle, Washington, and author of seven books. She covers lifestyle and entertainment and news, as well as navigating the workplace and social issues.
