How often do you find yourself getting upset when people don’t acknowledge your acts of kindness and consideration? Don’t they realize that holding the elevator or letting them cut ahead of you in traffic is an inconvenience to you?

It can feel as though frequently serving others, generally being considerate, is a great burden.

This is because we are self serving creatures – not an inherently bad trait. 

Self-interest is what drives some of the best solutions and is an instinct that prompts us to take care of ourselves. 

Here’s an interesting thought: self-interest and being selfless are not opposing forces.

What if we started acting out self-interest in the way we treated others?

Let me take this idea into practicality.

When the only form of payment you accept is an acknowledgment of each and every act of service, it’s near impossible to find a buyer. Instead, start paying yourself out of self-interest.

When was the last time that saying a harsh word to someone lead to a long-term benefit, or any benefit for that matter?

If you truly want to act out of self-interest take the action that is going to result in the most friends and smiles. 

In what may seem like two initially opposing forces, acting out of true self-interest will help you to become more selfless.