"برای خودت احساس تاسف نداشته باش. فقط آدم‌های عوضی این کار را می‌کنند."

Feeling sorry for yourself is a trap. It’s that sense of self-pity that sneaks up on you when things aren’t going your way. You know the one—when you start thinking life’s unfair, you’re the unluckiest person on the planet, and nothing good ever happens to you. The essence of this quote is a wake-up call: ditch the self-pity, because it’s not doing you any favors. In fact, it’s a trait typically associated with people who lack accountability and resilience.

David Goggins, a former Navy SEAL and ultra-endurance athlete, is the person behind this blunt piece of wisdom. Goggins has faced significant challenges in his life, from an abusive childhood to severe health issues and rigorous military training. He’s a prime example of someone who turned his life around through sheer determination. When he says that feeling sorry for yourself makes you an asshole, he’s speaking from personal experience. He knows that wallowing in self-pity only keeps you stuck in a cycle of negativity and inaction.

Let’s get real with a vivid example. Picture this: you’ve been working hard for a promotion at your job. You’ve put in the hours, delivered results, and even sacrificed some weekends. When the time comes, your boss gives the promotion to someone else. It’s gut-wrenching. The initial reaction might be to dive into a pity party. You want to complain to anyone who’ll listen, maybe even sulk and let your performance slip. But that path leads nowhere. Instead, think of Goggins. What would he do? He’d tell you to use that disappointment as fuel, to push harder and prove why you’re the undeniable choice next time. It’s about transforming that negative energy into something constructive.

So, how do you take this advice and run with it? Start by acknowledging your feelings—it's okay to feel hurt or disappointed. But don't dwell there. Shift your focus to what you can control. Set new goals, develop a plan, and take actionable steps toward improvement. Maybe it’s learning a new skill, seeking feedback, or simply doubling down on your efforts. The key is to keep moving forward.

Imagine you’re on a long hike with a friend, and you twist your ankle. It's painful, and you’re far from the finish. You could sit down, feel sorry for yourself, and wait for help, or you could push through the pain, lean on your friend for support, and keep going. The first option keeps you stuck—literally and figuratively. The second option, though difficult, empowers you. It’s about resilience and not letting obstacles define you.

In essence, embracing this mindset means recognizing that life’s challenges are inevitable, but your response is what makes the difference. The next time you’re tempted by self-pity, catch yourself. Remember that feeling sorry for yourself isn't just unproductive, it’s counterproductive. It doesn’t change your situation; it only changes you, for the worse. Instead, rise to the challenge, just like Goggins would, and use every setback as a stepping stone toward your goals. Life’s too short to be an asshole, so let’s not be.