One of the best ways to enjoy a happier, more fulfilling life is by losing our sense of entitlement. We all want something from someone else at some point. We are all trying to fight for one thing or another. Each of us believes that as far as our happiness is on the line, someone, somewhere, somehow, owes us something.
Research suggests that entitlement could cause unhappiness, frustration, distress, and constant disappointment. Much of the unhappiness people experience is due to an entitled sense of self, of importance, and unreceived privileges.
This entitlement is the reason we fight, go to war, denigrate others, hate and disagree with one another.
As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” He never said anything about waiting for your parents to hand it to you on a silver platter. Neither did he say anything about waiting for good things to come your way.
Always remember that the world doesn’t owe you anything. Everything is earned.
Sadly, the great divide between the rich and the poor is growing larger every day. However, none of us is born deserving more than anyone else. Although you are entitled to being happy, you are not allowed to anything you don’t earn. Working hard to accomplish something will bring you a sense of satisfaction and pride that you will never get the chance to feel if someone else were to give it to you.
Read below for some tips on how to banish your sense of entitlement for once and all.
Be Grateful, NOT Hateful
A way to rid yourself of that sense of entitlement is to be grateful. It’s not about squealing in delight and thanking your lover for buying you that convertible you wanted. It’s not about donating some cash to a local charity, just because you think it’ll help.
To be grateful is not about being dependent on someone else when can do something on your own. It’s about realizing just how easy you’ve had it all these years. You already have so much in life, so why do you need someone to feed you more privileges? Yes, it’s undoubtedly easier to have others do things for you. However, relying on someone else for everything is hurtful in the long run.
Why can’t you go out there and transform that sense of entitlement something productive and worthwhile?
Be grateful for what you have first, before going out and procuring more. Being appreciative for all that you have here and now is very important. The only way to be truly happy is to be thankful for all that you have accomplished, the people around you, and all that you have. Happiness comes from within. One of the simplest ways to tap into this positive energy is to be grateful for what is in front of you.
Discover Yourself
You can also take control of your life and get rid of that sense of entitlement by figuring out just what you want. Going through the motions and drifting through life is only what directionless people do. If you have a clear goal and know just what you’re after, you’re more likely to work hard to get it.
You can start by setting practical goals for yourself and training your mind to accomplish them. Discover your interests and goals. Then make a plan to achieve these goals. Once you have educated your mind about a clear goal, you will feel a sense of direction in your life and feel grateful.
Help Others
If you come from a privileged background, there’s a very high chance that you take daily necessities for granted. One great way for you to see things through their eyes is to volunteer. If you can go abroad, do it. There are people all over the world who live a life that is very different from yours. Wait no longer to see the world and gain some perspective.
Be Independent
For one, stop expecting everyone around you to hand feed you continuously. It’s no one’s job to give you what you want and need. You have to seek it out yourself. The first step that you have to take is to recognize that you have a sense of entitlement. Acknowledge its presence, respect that it has been a big part of your life, then defeat it like a poisonous spider.
In the real world, it is best to learn to depend on yourself. It all comes down to you being independent and getting what you earn.
Accept and Destroy your Entitlement
Have you poisoned your relationships with your entitlement? If you can’t be honest with yourself, then who can you be honest with? If you are not happy, then figure out changes you can make to improve your well being.
If your relationship is going downhill, accept it so that you can change it. Trust yourself to tell the truth. Not just to yourself, but to others. Just be careful not to insult anyone in the process. The best version of yourself is the one that faces the truth and lets it guide you.
Let the Positivity Rub Off
Expel all the toxic people from your life. Whether it is friends who are a bad influence or your mother who always makes you feel bad about yourself, minimize contact with these people. Surround yourself with inspiring, motivational and happy people. Their positivity will rub off on you. Whatever positivity you have to share will rub off on them, as well.