When To Think About Yourself First

At first blush, it seems counterintuitive but achieving a Greater Good for a particular group requires a measure of selfishness amongst the members of that group.

But when you really think about it, there’s a sound logic to that idea.

When you’re great at your role, the expectation is that you’ll carry it out to the best of your abilities. Which means, to use soccer parlance, when you’re the center forward and it’s your turn to shoot, you shoot.

You follow your instincts and take the shot. Sometimes you’ll score, sometimes you’ll miss. That’s OK. You’re job is to do your job and let everyone else play theirs. If the overall system makes sense and each role is optimally assigned, things will work out in the long run.

That’s similar to why you’re asked to put your oxygen mask on first on flights before you assist anyone else, including your kids. You’re better able to do what’s needed if you’re fully functioning (plus you’re no use to anyone dead).

I say all of this because there are times when we feel hesitant to step up and step out, to grab the limelight, in deference to someone else.

That’s just your imposter syndrome talking. Don’t listen to it.

Step up, step out and put yourself in the frame. Own it. Be selfish.

Because you know what you’re doing and why. And you’re the very best person, in that moment, to get it done.