Self-preservation is man's first instinct - but it doesn't work. Do you know how two goats respond when they meet on a narrow path above a river? They can't turn back, and they can't pass each other because they lack the smallest bit of spare room. The goats instinctively know that if they butt each other they'll both fall into the river and drown. So how do they handle it? Nature has taught one goat to lie down so the other can pass over it; and as a result both animals survive and arrive at their destination safe and sound. Instead of seeing itself as a doormat to be walked on, the goat sees itself as a bridge to be crossed over. So it becomes a win/win.
The Bible says Jesus 'made himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant' (Philippians 2:7 NKJV). And to do that you must focus on other people's needs instead of your own 'rights.' President Calvin Coolidge once said: 'No enterprise can exist for itself alone. It ministers to some great need, it performs some great service, not for itself, but for others; or failing therein, it ceases to be profitable and ceases to exist.' And what's true for any organisation or business operation, is true for you.
The hardest thing you'll ever do is to put others first and yourself second, because we intuitively look out for ourselves.
And here's the best part: Every time you sacrifice in order to serve someone, you're sowing seeds of blessing you will surely reap.
'[Jesus] made himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant.' Philippians 2:7 NKJV