What is the importance of not being self-focused?

Question

I am trying to figure out how to explain this to a friend, thanks : )

Answer 1

When one person isn't self-focused he/she is focusing on others. Focusing on others will make you alert of how others act, live, appear to others, and the living habits of those people. This will give you an "eye-up" on whatever others do, while you are not focused on yourself. Not being self-focused in other words is not paying atention to yourself.

Answer 2

Because self focus means you are not finished with basic necessities of security in your life and this delays your progress to the higher human values. You need to read the whole thing:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Maslow

'Maslow postulated that needs are arranged in a hierarchy in terms of their potency. Although all needs are instinctive, some are more powerful than others. The lower the need is in the pyramid, the more powerful it is. The higher the need is in the pyramid, the weaker and more distinctly human it is. The lower, or basic, needs on the pyramid are similar to those possessed by non-human animals, but only humans possess the higher needs.

The first four layers of the pyramid are what Maslow called "deficiency needs" or "D-needs:" the individual does not feel anything if they are met, but feels anxious if they are not met..... Needs beyond the D-needs are "growth needs," "being values," or "B-needs." When fulfilled, they do not go away; rather, they motivate further.' '
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Maslow

Answer 3

When you're only focused inwardly then there's no point for anyone else to focus on you. Why would anyone want to spend time with someone who goes on and on about themselves?