UCanMakeItIfYouTry – When It’s Okay To Be Selfish
When it’s okay to be selfish when you hear the word selfish what do you think
This report includes nine powerful tips and three actionable steps you can take immediately.
TOP TIPS
When you hear the word selfish, what do you think? Someone who only thinks of themselves and puts their needs ahead of others? What if that is exactly what you need once in a while? Sometimes we need to look after ourselves so that we are fit to take care of others. Here are nine times when it’s OK to be selfish.
1 – When You Need Sleep
A lack of sleep inhibits your ability to perform well. You may make poor decisions at work, lose your patience with a family member, or become sick. Take time to sleep when you need to function at top levels.
2 – When You Need Help
You are not an island. Sometimes, you need help keeping up with all your duties. For example, kids can help pick up the living room, and your partner can take turns with dishes. Don’t feel selfish asking for help.
3 – When You Are Burnt Out
Between work, family, and community responsibilities, it is easy to become burnt out. Don’t ignore this feeling! Your co-workers can handle things, and you can return the favor. Vacation days are meant to be used, so don’t hesitate to use them.
4 – On Your Off Hours
No one enjoys being chained to their phone or computer 24/7. It’s vital to take a clean break from work to have some downtime and enjoy family. When you clock out for the day, remember that it is OK to stay clocked out until you return to work the next day.
5 – When You Need to be Alone
Sometimes, it gets overwhelming to be around a lot of people. You may have a demanding, people-centered job or a full social calendar. When you need to be alone, take the necessary steps. You will be better able to manage your career and your social life.
6 – When You Are Sick
No one wants to do much when they are sick. Yet, you may get that text from a friend that makes you want to throw your phone across the room. It often starts with, “I know you are sick, but….” Your body needs time to heal. It’s not selfish to take it.
7 – To Get or Remain Healthy
Taking your health seriously is crucial to living a full life and achieving your goals. This will mean spending time cooking well-balanced meals and exercising. Remember, you can only operate at peak levels when you are healthy, so don’t be afraid to focus on your health.
8 – When Dealing With a Life Challenge
Loss of a loved one, a relationship breakdown, or losing a job are perfectly valid reasons to step back and take some time for yourself. Most people will understand, but you may have a few that don’t. Ignore them and be selfish enough to grieve and heal as you need to.
9 – When Relationships or Situations Are Toxic
You don’t have to accept relationships or situations that drain your energy and make you feel bad about yourself. There is nothing selfish about removing yourself from toxic situations.
FAST-ACTION STEPS
1 – Take inventory of your current activities. Find ways to schedule some time to rest, relax, and recharge.
2 – Establish ‘off hours’ for answering emails and texts from co-workers. Use this time to engage with your family or have a quiet evening.
3 – Ask for help in an area you need it. Dividing and conquering tasks will open your schedule for other opportunities.
- About the Author
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James Donaldson
Former Owner and Director of The Donaldson Clinic (an outpatient physical therapy clinic)
James completed a 20 year professional basketball career in the spring of 2000. James established The Donaldson Clinic in (January 1990 – 2018) (shortly after a career threatening knee injury) with an idea that he would eventually become a physical therapist. He is a strong advocate for Women & Minority owned businesses and is very involved with various Chambers of Commerce. He understands what it takes to sustain a strong business environment that is conducive to the success of businesses overall.
James is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the N.B.A. with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks and Utah Jazz. He also played for several in Spain, Italy and Greece of the European Leagues plus toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an N.B.A. All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac – 10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame.
He now devotes the majority of his time to various community activities, and toward the Gift of Life Foundation, speaking on mental health awareness and suicide prevention. James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, youth groups and is the author of the published “Standing Above the Crowd” of which you can learn more about at www.standingabovethecrowd.com and is available for sale now.
In 2021, James published Celebrating Your Gift of Life: From the Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy. www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com
James is a 40+ year resident of Seattle. He believes in being a role model of success and professionalism for the scores of young people that he devotes so much of his time to. He currently serves on several Boards and/or committees and is a member of many organizations. (Please see complete listing on back)
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win – Win” environment for everyone involved, and being the best he can be!
