How to Stop Being A Narcissist: 12 Practical Tips

Ever wondered if your self-centered tendencies are crossing the line? The journey to halt narcissistic behavior starts with self-awareness and a genuine desire for change. So let’s explore 12 practical tips to stop being a narcissist, guiding you towards personal growth and healthier relationships.

We’ll delve into the underlying causes of narcissistic behavior. Including Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), childhood trauma, and abuse, offering actionable steps for transformation.

The Path to Stop Being a Narcissist is Not About Perfection, It’s About Awareness

• It means getting past narcissistic traits is about being aware, not perfect.
• Notice when you seek attention a lot or focus only on yourself.
• It’s okay to have flaws; awareness is what matters most.
• See where you can do better without aiming for perfection.
• So think about how your actions affect others’ feelings.
• Try caring more about others and less about yourself.
• It’s about taking a moment to reflect on these things and how you can change.
• So aim for better ways of acting and connecting with people.
• Keep being aware of yourself as you go along.
• Understand you won’t be perfect, but you can still improve.
• Wanting to grow as a person is what counts.
• It’s about learning more about yourself and wanting to be better.
• Every little step towards awareness is progress.
• So start the journey to understanding yourself and building healthier relationships.

12 Practical Tips to Stop Being a Narcissist

Here are 12 actionable strategies to overcome narcissistic tendencies and cultivate healthier self-awareness.

1- Honestly Reflect on Yourself to Recognize Narcissistic Traits

To really get what narcissism is all about, you’ve got to take a good, honest look at yourself. Your childhood, what society tells you. And even your genes play a part in shaping these traits. Because recognizing these influences is the first step toward understanding yourself better and making real changes.

So it’s important to be straight up with yourself. And to examine your thoughts and actions without holding back. Doing stuff like journaling or talking to someone you trust can help you figure things out. By staying humble and genuinely wanting to change, you can move past narcissistic tendencies and build better connections with others.

2- Starts with Some Soul-searching Questions

Breaking free from narcissistic tendencies starts with some soul-searching questions to know you are a narcissist.

• “How often do I seek attention from others, and what drives this need?”
• “Do I prioritize receiving attention over giving it? And how does this affect my relationships?”
• “Are my attention-seeking behaviors pushing people away, and if so, why?”
• “Can I honestly admit to and take responsibility for my mistakes, considering their impact on others?”
• “Do I regularly prioritize my own needs over the feelings of those around me?”
• Am I inclined to end relationships if they don’t serve my ego or bring personal gain?
• “Do I frequently criticize others, or do I become defensive when faced with criticism myself?”
• “How do I handle situations where I’m not the center of attention?”
• “Do I genuinely empathize with others’ emotions, or do I tend to dismiss them?”
• “What steps can I take to cultivate more balanced and empathetic relationships with others?”

Asking yourself these questions can shed light on your behaviors and attitudes, paving the way for self-awareness and growth.

3- Face Reality When Things Aren’t Going Right

Okay, let’s get real. If you think you might be a bit narcissistic, it’s time to take a good, hard look at yourself. That means being honest about how your behavior affects those around you. You know, like when you always have to be the center of attention. Or when you expect special treatment all the time.

It’s not easy, but understanding that Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a real thing can be a wake-up call. And guess what? It often comes from stuff that happened when you were a kid, like how your parents treated you. So, face the facts, and own up to your actions. And if you need help, don’t be afraid to ask for it.

4- Cultivate Empathy and Compassion Towards Others

So, here’s the way to stop being a narcissist, you have to start caring about other people’s feelings, not just your own. That means listening when someone else is talking and trying to understand where they’re coming from. Yeah, it might mean putting your own stuff aside for a bit, but trust me, it’s worth it.

Especially in those situations where you usually go all “me, me, me.” Take a step back, put yourself in their shoes, and see how it feels. It’s called empathy, and it’s like magic for building better relationships.

5- Shift Focus from Self-Adoration to Genuine Connection

Okay, let’s switch things up. Instead of always needing everyone to notice how amazing you are, why not cheer on other people for a change? Seriously, when someone you know does something awesome, be genuinely happy for them. It’s not about feeling jealous or thinking you’re better—it’s about spreading some love and support.

Because let’s be real, constantly craving attention and validation isn’t healthy. By celebrating others and showing them some love. You’re not just being a better person, you’re also making your relationships stronger.

6- See Feedback as a Chance to Grow Personally

It’s time to change how you see criticism. Instead of feeling threatened or lashing out defensively, try to view feedback as a chance to improve. Those negative outbursts and rage? They’re not doing you any favors. In fact, they’re just keeping you stuck in that narcissistic loop. Embrace feedback as an opportunity for growth and learning.

Sure, it might sting a bit at first, but remember, it’s not an attack. Because it’s a way to become a better version of yourself. And hey, if you’re struggling to handle feedback on your own, don’t hesitate to reach out to a therapist. They can provide guidance and support as you navigate this journey of self-discovery.

7-Foster Authentic Relationships Built on Mutual Respect

Let’s talk about relationships. You know, the real, meaningful ones—not just the ones where you’re the star of the show. It’s time to invest in genuine connections based on mutual respect and understanding. That superficial stuff? It’s not cutting it anymore.

So take a step back and really think about what you want out of your relationships. Because recognize that your narcissistic behavior might be stemming from some unresolved issues. But therapy and self-reflection can help you address those underlying issues. And pave the way for healthier connections built on authenticity and empathy.

8- Take Ownership of Actions and Their Impact on Others

We all mess up sometimes. The difference is, that narcissists often struggle to own up to their mistakes. But here’s the thing to stop being a narcissist: taking responsibility for your actions is essential for growth. When you make a mistake, acknowledge it. Apologize sincerely if you’ve hurt someone.

And then, most importantly, learn from it. Recognize that those unhealthy behaviors and thinking patterns aren’t just hurting others—they’re hurting you too. Embracing authenticity and humility opens the door to genuine growth. And allows you to break free from the cycle of narcissism.

9-Embrace Vulnerability and Authenticity in Interactions

Hey, let’s be real here – nobody’s flawless, right? If you’ve been dealing with narcissism, you know the drill – always chasing that elusive supremacy. But here’s the scoop: admitting you’re not faultless is the first step to breaking free. Those sky-high expectations and constant need for special treatment?

Classic signs of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. It’s time to cut yourself some slack and accept your flaws with a dose of humility and self-love. Instead of aiming for flawlessness, focus on growing and becoming a better you. And hey, take a moment to soak in nature’s beauty – imperfections and all. It’s a solid reminder that being flawed is totally okay.

10- Pursue Fulfillment Beyond External Validation

Let’s talk about happiness – the real kind, not the one that depends on others’ approval. True fulfillment? It starts from within. Instead of constantly seeking validation from others, take a peek inside yourself. Relying solely on external approval just keeps those unhealthy patterns going.

Time to dive into hobbies and activities that light up your soul. Whether it’s painting, hiking, or chilling with loved ones, find what truly makes you happy. By nurturing these inner joys, you’ll dial down the stress and amp up your emotional well-being.

11- Develop Resilience Against Narcissistic Urges

Life’s full of surprises, right? When things get tough, how do you handle it? If you’re battling narcissism, tough times often trigger some not-so-great reactions. But hold up – there’s a better way to cope. Instead of diving into arguments or getting super defensive, let’s explore some positive coping strategies.

Make self-care a priority – meditation, workouts, or just some downtime can work wonders. And hey, don’t forget your support squad. Friends, family, or a therapist can offer some solid guidance as you navigate this journey toward healthier coping habits.

12- Embrace the Journey of Self-improvement

Change doesn’t happen overnight – it’s more like a marathon. And breaking free from narcissism? Definitely a journey, not a sprint. So it’s not over until you win. Personal growth takes time and effort, so be patient with yourself.

You’re not alone in this – plenty of folks have kicked narcissism to the curb with the right mindset and support. So, buckle up and embrace the ride. Every step forward gets you closer to a happier, healthier you.

Related- Can A Narcissist Be Faithful? 15 Strong Clues of Distrust

How to Stop Being A Narcissist In A Relationship

1- Recognize Your Impact

• Pay attention to how your words and actions affect your partner’s feelings.
• Validate Their Feelings: Even if you don’t agree, acknowledge that your partner’s feelings are real and important.

2- Communicate Respectfully:

• Encourage your partner to be independent and listen carefully when they speak.
• Encourage Their Independence: Let your partner make their own choices and respect their decisions.
• Listen Actively: Give your full attention when your partner talks, and don’t interrupt or dismiss what they say.

3- Take Responsibility:

• Admit when you’re wrong and apologize sincerely.
• Own Up to Mistakes: Don’t make excuses or blame others when you mess up.
• Apologize Honestly: Say sorry when you hurt your partner, and show that you understand why they’re upset.

4- Show Understanding and Appreciation:

• Try to see things from your partner’s perspective and praise their achievements.
• Understand Their Point of View: Put yourself in their shoes and try to understand how they feel.
• Appreciate Them: Notice and praise the good things your partner does, and celebrate their successes.

5- Respect Their Boundaries and Consent:

• Honor your partner’s limits and always ask for permission.
• Respect Their Boundaries: Understand and respect what your partner is comfortable with.
• Get Their Consent: Always check in with your partner and make sure they’re okay with what’s happening.

By focusing on these steps, you can work on being less narcissistic in your relationship. Because it will create a healthier connection with your partner.

What Happens When You Try to Stop Being A Narcissist

• When you’re trying to stop being a narcissist, you start noticing things about yourself that you didn’t pay much attention to before.
• Sometimes you might feel good about making changes, but other times you might feel pretty bad about yourself, especially if you realize you hurt someone.
• You will have to deal with big feelings. Because trying to change can bring up a lot of emotions, like feeling guilty or embarrassed about stuff you did in the past.
• As you try to be more understanding and less self-centered, your relationships might hit some bumps in the road. There might be arguments or misunderstandings along the way.
• It can be strange trying out new ways of acting and speaking, especially if you’re used to always being the center of attention.
• You might need to spend some time figuring out who you really are underneath all the showing off. It’s like discovering a new side of yourself.
• You may learn better ways to overcome narcissism. Instead of doing things the way you always have, you have to find healthier ways to handle tough situations and criticism.
• You can get support from friends, family, or professionals. They can give you a hand when things get tough.
• Changing isn’t easy, and sometimes you might feel like giving up. But sticking with it is the key to making progress.

Related- Weird Things Covert Narcissists Do (16 to Know)

Conclusion

The journey to stop being a narcissist is all about personal growth and understanding. All these practical tips are a great starting point to break free from harmful habits. So it’s also important to consider how narcissism affects relationships.

And work towards mutual respect. Change takes time patience and effort, so be patient with yourself. Keep reflecting and growing, and you’ll develop a more balanced and caring approach to yourself and others.