Understanding Selfishness and Self-Centeredness
Episode Overview
Recognise the difference between selfishness and self-centeredness. Understand how these traits impact your relationships. Acknowledge your behaviours without self-judgment. Make small, consistent changes to improve your emotional well-being. Reflect on where you might be acting selfishly and adjust accordingly.
Knowing what you're looking for is the first thing. Finding it is the second thing. Changing it is your big slam dunk.
In this episode of 'Levelheaded Talk', Dr. Andrea Vitz and Jon Leon Guerrero tackle the complex themes of selfishness and self-centeredness. They kick off with a discussion on how everyone, from birth, inherently exhibits selfish behaviour as a survival mechanism. Dr. Vitz explains that being self-centered is different from being selfish - while selfishness is about putting your needs above all else, self-centeredness filters everything through your own experiences and traumas.
They share personal anecdotes and observations, making these concepts relatable and easy to understand. Dr. Vitz highlights that recognising these traits in ourselves is the first step towards change. The duo explores how these behaviours manifest in our relationships, especially within families, where emotional sobriety often faces its toughest challenges. They encourage listeners not to beat themselves up but to acknowledge these behaviours and take small steps towards improvement.
Jon adds a humorous touch by noting that everyone is selfish to some extent, which helps lighten the mood of this otherwise serious topic. The conversation takes a practical turn as they discuss strategies for identifying and altering selfish and self-centered behaviours. Dr. Vitz shares insights from her coaching experiences, including a story about a student who transformed her life by making small, consistent changes.
The episode wraps up with a call to action: reflect on where you might be acting selfishly in your life and consider how small adjustments can lead to significant improvements. This engaging and thought-provoking discussion is a must-listen for anyone seeking to improve their relationships and emotional well-being.