It’s challenging to give others credit without being self-reliant. While being self-centered also focuses on the self, there is a significant difference.
A self-reliant person takes responsibility for their own emotional state and needs. We are accountable for our own emotions. This practice helps us to build the capacity to offer empathy, ask for help, and provide assistance without feeling insecure. We can also admit mistakes and genuinely acknowledge others' contributions.
In contrast, the self-centered person believes it is others' responsibility to make them feel good and ease their lives. When they are angry, frustrated, or sad, they often blame others for these emotions. They expect others to change to make them feel better and see others' strengths as threats. Giving credit to others feels like a loss, and admitting their own mistakes is even harder.
It doesn’t take much to be self-centered. And because of that, there is little traction wherever it goes.
Being self-reliant takes continuous learning, practice, and resilience. When we become a stronger person from the inside out, we can show up differently for ourselves and, more importantly, for the people around us.
