Seeing a therapist might be infinitely better than reading a book, and not just for narcissism. We're all broken in our own wonderful and unique ways. I've been seeing a therapist for 5 years now, and the positive impact this has had in my life and on my general self-awareness can't be overstated. As engineers and tech people we have one tool that has proven incredible useful in our careers: our brilliant rational mi…
What are examples of problems you couldn't solve with your mind?
Ask HN: How did you fix your narcissism?
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Re: Ask HN: How did you fix your narcissism?
#52Re: Ask HN: How did you fix your narcissism?
#53Re: Ask HN: How did you fix your narcissism?
#54Now it's just a matter of applying thought to action. For example, make an effort to listen to and understand other people. It get's easier because it will lead to more meaningful relationships. It becomes a positive feedback loop.
Re: Ask HN: How did you fix your narcissism?
#55Here is the thing, you shouldn't feel guilty about feeling this way and rush out to see a therapist. This epiphany is part of the natural cycle of emotional maturity. Now it's just a matter of applying thought to action. For example, make an effort to listen to and understand other people. It get's easier because it will lead to more meaningful relationships. It becomes a positive feedback loop.
Re: Ask HN: How did you fix your narcissism?
#56Earlier quoted context omitted.
Ever been in a relationship? There are a lot of problems you can’t just solve with rational thinking.
Emotional intelligence and empathy are still part of the mind.
Re: Ask HN: How did you fix your narcissism?
#571. Your traits and actions, both good and bad, what are they? Can you describe them, in other words, can you describe yourself through them? Try to do it, and do not use the word "am." Try to write down as many as you can.
(In other words, never "I am a fisherman", only "I fish.")
2. Spend time trying to consciously improve other peoples lives. Work through the barriers you have to doing this and your life will improve, too.
Practice these. If it's not immediately obvious why both of these are necessary, give it time.
Re: Ask HN: How did you fix your narcissism?
#58Personally, I have issue with being myopic (focus to easily on a singular task) and somewhat asperger/autistic (hard time recognizing emotional cues). Like you, I've had trouble with interacting with people.
The first thing I can suggest is finding a few people with whom you can confide your position, are supportive with wanting to see you be a better person, and willing to give you guidance. THEN TRUST THEM when they say you've done something not so well. If you're in a relationship, hopefully your SO will be willing to help. At work, maybe your boss or colleague will be willing to observe you and help you on your journey.
There are four stages of dealing with things:
* unconscious incompetent - You have a problem and don't know you have one.
* conscious incompetent - You recognize you have a problem, but don't know how to solve it.
* unconscious competent - You make an effort and happen to do better, but you're uncertain what it was that made a difference.
* conscious competent - You consistently do better because you know what to do in situations.
Notice that in the last one, I didn't say that you _understand_ why what you did makes a difference. If you truly are a narcissist, it means that the social aspects of your mind are weakly wired. I am that way, so even today I have trouble recognizing cues. But, I'm honest with people about it. My friends and colleagues know this about me. I tell them, "Just FYI, I have a hard time picking up cues. Please, just be very direct with me because I really want to help and see people are happy." My myopic natural can also be a feature: I'm willing to dig down into problems and really understand why something isn't working right. It doesn't bother me to laser focus on a difficult problem. Long ago I was taught that every personality trait can be positive or negative depending on how it is used. Learn how to be better and use what you can do for better things.Finally, find a _good_ therapist. A good one will be interested in you and want to help you find out who you are and what you can be. A good one will ask a questions of you, but they will be questions you likely have never asked about yourself and should have answers.
You're on the right track.
Re: Ask HN: How did you fix your narcissism?
#59I'm not sure if using the word "narcissism" is helpful in this context. We are all self-absorbed to some extent and it's good to maintain a practice that keeps this at bay. I found these two things particularly helpful: 1) Developing a practice of meditation This helps to notice the self-absorbed thoughts and recognize them for what they are. I'd recommend in particular attending a silent retreat in Vipassana traditi…
Maitrī (Sanskrit; Pali: mettā) means benevolence,[1] loving-kindness,[2][3] friendliness,[3][4] amity,[4] good will,[5] and active interest in others.[4] It is the first of the four sublime states (Brahmaviharas) and one of the ten pāramīs of the Theravāda school of Buddhism.