When Being “Egoist” is Actually Self-Care
Maria Esther Rodriguez ????
Innovator in Sustainable Food Systems | Advocate for Animal Welfare | Holistic Coach
Welcome to the 10th Edition of Your Guide to Holistic Balance Newsletter
This weekly newsletter will bring you practical tips and advice that will help you rapidly to establish healthy boundaries, make meaningful connections, improve your self-trust and connect with your body in a holistic and sustainable way.
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In this week's newsletter you'll learn about how being “egoist” can actually help you serve others better, but first check out our tip of the week below...
TIP OF THE WEEK
Self-care is specific to you and it takes many forms! It isn’t always taking a bubble bath, doing yoga or journaling...it may be running, watching your favorite show, driving, etc. Whatever it is, the key is that it recharges you!
As purpose-driven humans, especially entrepreneurs, it’s easy to fall into the trap of always giving. To family. To clients. To loved ones. To the mission. But what happens when you give so much that you end up depleted?
Today, let’s redefine a word that often has an often bad reputation: egoism.
Because here’s the truth: putting yourself first isn’t selfish. It’s self-care.
Egoism vs. Healthy Self-Prioritization
The traditional idea of egoism makes it sound like we’re turning our backs on others. But what if putting your needs first is the very thing that allows you to show up fully: energized, clear, and committed to the people and projects that matter most?
Here’s the magic shift:
? Unhealthy egoism: Thinking only about yourself at the expense of others.
? Healthy self-prioritization: Honoring your needs so you can show up fully for others and your mission.
Most endeavors demand a lot from us, creativity, energy, resilience. If you’re not filling your own cup, how can you keep pouring into your work, your clients, or your vision?
Practical Tools: How to Put Yourself First Without Guilt
Here are 3 actionable tools to help you build the habit of healthy egoism so you can nurture yourself and your business:
1?? Set Boundaries (and Stick to Them): I’ve talked about this one before, and if you’ve been to any of my workshops, this is a biggie, and there’s a reason for it...it’s important and it can make significant changes to your life!
Boundaries aren’t walls. They’re guidelines for how others can interact with you, and how you interact with yourself.
? Identify what drains you (late-night work emails, constant availability).
? Clearly communicate your boundaries. Example: “I’ll be offline after 6 PM to recharge.”
? Boundaries protect your energy so you can serve better, so respect them.
Remember that every time you break a promise to yourself you erode a little the relationship with yourself affecting your long-term self -confidence and -trust. Therefore, think carefully what boundary(ies) to set and once you set it(them), respect it!
2?? Learn to Say “No” Gracefully: the more you do it, the more comfortable it will become.
Every “yes” costs you time, energy, and focus. Protect those resources fiercely!
Try these phrases:
? “I’d love to help, but I’m at capacity right now.”
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? “That’s not aligned with my current priorities, but thank you for thinking of me.”
? “Let me check my schedule and get back to you.” (This buys you time to decide without feeling pressured!)
Saying “no” is saying “yes” to yourself...and to your goals.
3?? Make Self-Care Non-Negotiable
Self-care isn’t a luxury. It’s a foundational tool for long-term success.
Ask yourself: What recharges me?
? Quality time with my loved ones.
? Quiet time to plan and reflect.
? Weekly yoga, journaling, or creative outlets.
Block time for self-care in your calendar, just like you would for a meeting...and respect it!
Why “Selfishness” Serves Your Mission
When you nurture yourself, you open space for:
? Clarity: A rested mind makes better decisions.
? Energy: A well-cared-for body powers your business.
? Focus: When you stop over-giving, you stay aligned with your vision.
The result? You show up as your best self (which already lives within you)—for your business, your clients, and the people you love.
This Week’s Challenge
Ask yourself today: How can I give myself permission to prioritize my needs?
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Ready to Build a Soul-Aligned Business in 2024?
If you’re ready to create a thriving business that aligns with your purpose and your well-being, my Holistic Business Coaching Program is here to support you.
Starting in January, we’ll work together to:
? Build a sustainable business that feels authentic and joyful.
? Shift your mindset from employee to empowered entrepreneur.
? Align your work with who you truly are.
?? Bonus if you enroll in December: You’ll receive a personalized Human Design Booklet with actionable insights tailored to your design—helping you make decisions and grow your business in alignment with your natural strengths. ??