The Advantages and Disadvantages of Being Selfish

Popular opinion states that being selfish is a bad thing and that you should avoid it at all costs. Yet many people have become very successful while being selfish (including some of the people that say being selfish is wrong). In this article I will take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of being selfish, as well as tell you about an important decision you can make about your life that many people mistakenly label as selfish.

The Advantages Of Being Selfish

There are some distinct advantages to being selfish. One of the biggest benefits is that you are almost completely immune to people taking advantage of you. The “user” type of person will learn very quickly that they will not be able to get you to do favors for them, so they will move on to other targets. Along the same lines, others will not be able to manipulate you with guilt to do things you really do not want to do. Being selfish means you can spend more of your time doing the things you enjoy to do.

Another advantage you can gain from being selfish is by using your selfish desires to motivate yourself to succeed. You can read more about this in my previous article, “How To Find Your Burning Desire To Succeed”. Many people have chosen to take this route and have become very successful as a result.

The Disadvantages Of Being Selfish

Looking at all of the advantages of being selfish, you would think that being selfish is clearly the best way to live your life. However, there are some definite disadvantages to being selfish. First and foremost, you will find it hard to develop and keep fulfilling friendships and relationships. People will not associate with you for long if you repeatedly show through your words and actions that you only care about yourself.

Another big disadvantage you will encounter if you are selfish is in doing any kind of business. If all you worry about is how you can profit from others with no regard for them, then sooner or later your business will fail.

A Decision That Is Mistakenly Characterized As Selfish

There is a very important decision that you can make about your life that many people mistakenly view as selfish. This decision can have a huge impact on your happiness. It is the decision to live your life how you want, on your own terms. So many people live their lives according to other people’s standards and wishes instead of their own. As a result, they live unhappy and unsatisfying lives. Choose a career because it is something you really want to do, not because your family or friends say you should. Get married and start a family only if that is something you really want, not just because society says that it is the thing to do. Choosing to live how you want is not selfish, it means you are a courageous and self-confident individual.