How Do You Stop Being A Narcissist? 30 Ways To Overcome Narcissistic Tendencies

The Minds Journal
3 min readApr 21, 2023

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Narcissism is a personality trait marked by an inflated sense of self-importance, an excessive need for admiration, and a lack of empathy towards others. If you suspect that you may have narcissistic traits and are tired of these tendencies that make you manipulate and control others, there are steps you can take to change.

The first step is to recognize that you may have narcissistic tendencies and seek help. In this article, we will discuss the steps you can take to stop being a narcissist.

The first step towards change is to recognize that you may have narcissistic tendencies. If you are questioning your behavior and asking how to stop being a narcissist, it is possible that you may have some narcissistic traits.

However, it’s important to understand that not all people who exhibit narcissistic behavior have Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), a mental disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy.

The second step is to seek help from a professional therapist. While it may be difficult to admit that you need help, therapy can be incredibly beneficial in helping you address your narcissistic behavior. A therapist can help you understand the underlying causes of your behavior and develop strategies to change it.

Here are some steps on how to stop being a narcissist:

Develop empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. People with narcissistic tendencies often lack empathy, which can make it difficult for them to build meaningful relationships.

Developing empathy involves taking the time to understand other people’s perspectives and feelings. One way to develop empathy is to actively listen to others and try to understand their experiences without judgment.

Practice self-reflection
Self-reflection involves looking inward and examining your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It can help you become more self-aware and understand why you may engage in narcissistic behavior. Set aside time each day to reflect on your thoughts and behaviors and identify areas where you may need to make changes.

Practice humility
Humility is the opposite of narcissism. It involves recognizing your strengths and weaknesses and being able to admit when you are wrong. Practice humility by acknowledging the contributions of others and giving credit where it is due. Avoid boasting or exaggerating your accomplishments.

Take responsibility for your actions
Narcissists often have difficulty admitting their mistakes or taking responsibility for their actions. This can lead to strained relationships and a lack of accountability. Taking responsibility for your actions involves acknowledging when you have made a mistake and making amends. It can help you build stronger relationships with others.

Practice gratitude
Gratitude involves being thankful for the good things in your life. People with narcissistic tendencies often have unrealistic expectations and may feel entitled to special treatment. Practicing gratitude can help you appreciate what you have and reduce the need for constant admiration and attention.

Seek feedback from others
Ask trusted friends and family members for feedback on your behavior. This can help you gain a better understanding of how others perceive you and identify areas where you may need to make changes. Be open to constructive criticism and avoid becoming defensive.

Develop healthy relationships
Healthy relationships involve mutual respect, empathy, and trust. People with narcissistic tendencies often struggle with building meaningful relationships. Focus on developing healthy relationships based on shared interests, values, and experiences.

In conclusion, if you suspect that you have narcissistic tendencies and are tired of these tendencies that make you manipulate and control others, there are steps you can take to change.

The first step is to recognize that you may have narcissistic tendencies and seek help. Working with a therapist can be incredibly beneficial in helping you address your narcissistic behavior. Additionally, developing empathy, practicing self-reflection, practicing humility, taking responsibility for your actions, practicing gratitude.

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