Be selfish to get what you want out of life

We’ve all known these people. The guy who sits in the back of the room by himself. The girl who is left out when the class does work in small groups. The nerd who lets everyone walk all over him because he’s too scared to stand up for himself.

I’ve been all of those people, and let me tell you, it’s devastating to be that person. But I’m not anymore, because in time I’ve learned the benefits of being selfish.

Everyone is selfish. If someone tells you he/she isn’t, he/she’s lying. Psychology tells us there is no such thing as a selfless act, and it’s true. It’s just some of us are too scared to take care of ourselves.

One fateful summer, maybe five years ago, I finally decided that no, most people aren’t nice and yes, most will step all over you in a heartbeat. So I gave up the whole nice routine and got an attitude. Honestly, it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.

If you don’t take care of yourself, no one else is going to. Never give up an opportunity for someone else. They wouldn’t do it for you.

I see so many people feeling sorry for themselves. They’re unhappy with their lives because people take advantage of them. I personally don’t feel sorry for them. I’ve been in their position before, and I still don’t feel sorry for them. It’s up to them to make themselves happy.

Most people don’t respect themselves enough to be selfish, and this is a very sad thing. For the love of God, get this into your brain: You’re worth it. You’re worth getting what you want out of life, regardless of whatever people tell you.

I’m not saying you can’t be nice to people, but don’t be nice to the point where you’re doing yourself a disservice. Never make yourself unhappy for the benefit of someone else. Again, they probably wouldn’t do it for you.

Be conceited. Don’t sell yourself short. Make yourself look good and own it. Don’t worry about everyone else’s opinion of you. I’ve found the times I’ve been the happiest in my life have been when I’ve gone for what I wanted — everyone else be damned — and just did something for myself. I didn’t think of how it would affect other people, because to be honest, I didn’t care. And you shouldn’t either.

Knowing you’re a good enough person to make decisions that only benefit yourself — now that’s self-esteem at its finest.

So if you’re that dork in the back of the class staying up late doing an entire group project by yourself, and you’re angry about it, then do yourself a favor and stop. Who is to say that your time is less important than everyone else’s?

Be selfish, do things for yourself and not for other people, and own your life.

You can take it from me, no one else is going to make sure you’re happy.

Steve Schirra is a sophomore biology major and the assistant forum editor for the Daily Kent Stater. Contact him at [email protected].