 There is a major difference between being a narcissist, and having a healthy amount of self-confidence. Someone who is narcissistic tends to be hated by many. A narcissist is someone who is extremely self-centered and tends to care more about themselves than others. People who are narcissistic, in the long run, live depressing lives. Keep in mind that no narcissist ever chose to become a narcissist. Narcissism can develop through influence one receives from their parents or friends. Sometimes, narcissism can even come from being too confident in one’s self (too much of a good thing can be bad). If you don’t know whether or not you’re a narcissist, ask yourself the questions below. (Written by non-clinical Philadelphia Therapy Staff Writer)
1) When I accomplish something, do I tend to brag nonstop about this accomplishment when it is both relevant and irrelevant? Basically, when you accomplish something, do you tend to constantly bring it up in a conversation?
2) Do I hold myself to such high standards that when I don’t get what I want I get extremely upset?
3) Do I not care about how others feel? Do I not feel empathy?
4) Do I constantly try to compete with others whether it be good grades in school, having a better car, having a better job, etc.?
5) Do I tend to be arrogant about lots of things?
6) Do I have an obsession with how I look? For instance, if someone checks how their hair looks every 20 minutes even when they’re outside the house, then they might have a little narcissism in them.
7) Do I like to appear better than my friends?
8) Do I expect everyone to do exactly as I say?
9) Am I a controlling person? Do I try to manipulate others to do what I want?
10) Do I tend to not care about the consequences of my actions?
If you answered yes to the majority of these questions, then chances are you are a narcissist. Do not worry though, narcissism can stem from several things. If you want to get rid of your narcissism and live a happier life, then follow these 4 steps.
1) Have Empathy. Try putting yourself in other people’s shoes. Take a look at the real world and realize that other people have it worse than you, don’t always focus on yourself and your problems, and help out others that need it more.
2) Be open to Criticism. If someone gives you their opinion about something and you disagree with it, just politely let the other person know that. Don’t be closed-minded or rude about someone’s opinions or criticisms.
3) Don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself. If you don’t live up to your own expectations, don’t beat yourself up. If something goes wrong, remember that you aren’t perfect and you never were. Everyone makes mistakes, so if you did something that embarrassed you, for instance, if you stuttered when making a speech, just laugh at yourself and know that life goes on.
4) Life isn’t always a competition. Don’t brag about absolutely everything you do or have accomplished. It’s ok to be happy about something but when expressing this happiness, do so in a modest way.
Being narcissistic is a horrible thing but there are ways to break this habit. If you answered yes to the questions in this article, then immediately follow the 4 steps above and you will replace your narcissistic traits with a healthy amount of confidence. Having a certain amount of self-confidence, not narcissism, is the key to living a happy life. |
|
|