The "Selfish" Revolution: Putting Yourself First Without Feeling Like a Jerk

Ever thought the word 'selfishness' could use a rebrand? Well, buckle up, because we're flipping the script on putting yourself first, and trust me, it's not what you think. We're tearing down the stigma and showing you how to rock self-prioritization without feeling like you're hogging all the metaphorical cookies. It's all about striking that sweet balance, where self-care means being able to give your best to everyone around you—including yourself. And no, we're not serving up guilt-trips here; we're dishing out a hefty dose of real talk with a side of practical know-how.

Join me on this enlightening trek where we'll unwrap the essentials of saying no with grace, penciling in that sacred 'me time', and throwing a little party for your personal triumphs. No guests on this ride, just you and me navigating the terrain of everyday life with a fresh perspective on being 'selfish'—and why it might just be the kindest thing you can do for you and your squad. So, if you're ready for a life where burnout is busted and self-care is non-negotiable, pop in those earbuds and let's get this jam session of rejuvenation started.

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:45

Hello, we're in Turk Mode. Welcome back to the place where we get real and tackle the topics that sometimes leave us scratching our heads. Today, we're diving into something that often gets a bad rap selfishness. Now, hold tight before you hit that unsubscribe button. This ain't about becoming a narcissistic gremlin who hoards all the good snacks although, let's be honest, we've all been there. Now. This is about a conscious shift towards prioritizing ourselves and our needs and our well-being, because, let's face it, you can't pour from an empty cup right. Constantly putting everyone else's needs before our own leads to a ton of burnout and just resentment. So this year, let's embrace a little resentment. So this year, let's embrace a little selfishness, but the healthy kind, the kind that allows us to show up as the best versions of ourselves for ourselves and the people we love. Here's the thing taking care of yourself isn't selfish, it's actually fucking essential. It's like putting on your own oxygen mask first on an airplane. Yeah, you've got to prioritise your wellbeing before you can help anyone else Now. But how do we do this selfish thing without feeling like a total arsehole? Well, that's where things get interesting. So let's break it down with some actionable steps you can take right now Step 1.

Speaker 1: 2:18

Reframe the narrative. First things first, man, let's ditch the guilt, stop calling it selfishness and start calling it self-care. But don't just throw the term around. Get specific. What does self-care actually look like for you? Grab a pen and paper or whatever works and do some brainstorm. Is it something like getting enough sleep or taking a long, uninterrupted bath with some music and candles and shit? Or maybe it's carving out time for that hobby you keep putting on a back burner, whether it's something like painting, playing music or gaming, like it is for me.

Speaker 1: 2:58

Step two identify your needs. Okay, so grab yourself self-care detective hat and put it on. What truly fuels you? Is it like we mentioned a good night's sleep, because, let's be honest, who the fuck functions on five hours a night? Or is it spending time in nature, feeling the sun on your face and the wind in your hair? Or maybe it's just connecting with loved ones, having deep conversations and feeling that sense of belonging? Here's the real trick. Your needs will be different from mine and different from your neighbours and from your best friends. You need to take the time to tune into your body and mind and figure out what makes you feel energised and happy and ready to tackle the world.

Speaker 1: 3:50

Step three set boundaries. The art of saying no. This is where we get into the crunch. You need to realise that it's okay to say no to requests that drain your energy or don't align with your priorities at the time. People who truly care about you will understand and maybe even appreciate the honest communication. But saying no can sometimes be tricky. So here are some tips Be clear and concise. Don't feel obligated to explain your entire life story. A simple no, thank you or I'm afraid I'm swamped right now is perfectly acceptable. Offer an alternative If you can't commit to something in its entirety. See if there's a way to be halfway. Maybe you can't attend an entire event, but you could probably suggest that you swing around for half an hour, 40 minutes an hour, whatever it is that's in your capacity at the time. Focus on your needs. Saying something along the lines of I need some time for myself this weekend is a perfectly valid reason to decline an invitation, and people just have to accept that.

Speaker 1: 5:07

Step four schedule your self-care. Now, if you've listened to this podcast for any length of time, you'll know I'm all about putting shit in a calendar and for me let's be honest if it's not on a calendar. It probably won't happen, so you need to treat your self-care time with the same respect you would for an important meeting. Once it's scheduled, it's it's guaranteed well, for me anyway. So schedule dedicated time for your self-care activities, whether it's a daily morning meditation session, a weekly yoga class or a monthly spa day or some shit, because you know what Pumpering is important too. So block out that time in your calendar and treat it as sacred.

Speaker 1: 5:53

Step five celebrate your wins. Now did you finally carve out that time for that hobby you love, or prioritise your sleep schedule and wake up feeling refreshed? Well, if so, give yourself a pat on the back. Acknowledging your progress Reinforces the importance Of self care and keeps you motivated. Think of it like building a habit. We talked about habits a few episodes ago. It's just like that the more you celebrate your wins, the stronger the habit gets.

Speaker 1: 6:22

Step 6 Embrace the journey. Remember this selfish revolution, as I like to call it, is a journey, not a destination. There will be days when you fall off a little bit. You spend more time prioritising others. There'll be weeks when your self-care just takes a backseat. Don't beat yourself up about it. The key is to be kind to yourself, acknowledge the efforts you've made and gently nudge yourself back on track where you put self-care back as your priority. Now I'm not saying become a hermit and neglect all your responsibilities, but by prioritizing your well-being, setting boundaries and saying no more often, you'll be a happier, healthier and more patient person for everyone in your life. So let's stitch the guilt and embrace the selfish revolution. I want you to share your tips on prioritizing self-care in the comments below. How do you recharge your batteries and show up authentically for yourself and the people you love? Remember, a little selfishness can go a long way. Until next time, keep it real, keep it healthy and keep on thriving. See you soon. Take care, goodbye.