Now if you think this article will simply detail how to master the power of the Dark Side, you’re on the wrong site, and frankly in the wrong galaxy.

Sith characters in "Star Wars" will be relevant in this article because they quintessentially depict selfishness. Selfishness is the crux of this article, understanding the term and applying it to yourself will improve your life in many ways.

Both the Sith and selfishness get a bad rap, and for good reason. The word “selfish” is defined as, “arising from concern with one’s own welfare or advantage in disregard of others” (Merriam Webster, 2016). Most of us lend selfishness a bad connotation due to the fact that “in disregard of others” inhabits the definition. Selfishness is, however, a very positive force in everyone’s life.

Many people use phrases such as “I’m treating myself today” to signal that they are primarily selfless in character. Doing things for others and being kind is undoubtedly important, but being kind to yourself should be valued with equal importance. You should be treating yourself every single day, but less so with material things. Humans thrive on productivity and achievements. You will not feel productive after a long session of binge-watching Netflix, but you will feel productive after breaking your previous record for a timed mile.

No one is stopping you from being productive in your free time but yourself. Pick up a hobby, and try something you’ve never done before. Every small step is an achievement within itself. The more you achieve, and the more you prove to yourself that you can, you will begin to feel much better about yourself. Time spent being unproductive (everyone needs a break) will feel incredible, and even fulfilling. You will motivate yourself to become better and try harder. You are, in essence, the greatest inspiration to yourself.

It is important to ease into your hobbies, do not take anything too quickly. If you want to start painting, don’t buy yourself the nicest brush in the art store, begin modestly. If you take steps prematurely, your love may prove to be short-lived, and unsatisfactory. The best things in life take time. You should allow yourself time and practice to perfect new steps, complete more impressive feats. With time — upgrade. Don’t let your passion fizzle out, but more importantly, don’t try to convince yourself that you like something you could actually do without.

Amaze yourself day to day, and enjoy the process of becoming increasingly talented. Servicing yourself will not make you feel guilty, but rather rewarded. Work to change what’s in front of you - what’s present. Do not focus on the future or the past, change what can be changed. Make every single day your masterpiece, and your outlook on happiness and self-fulfillment will drastically transform. Be the you that can be, and not the you that you wish you were.

So next time you’re down in the dumps and wondering what you’re good at, look to the Sith. The Sith may not treat their friends the best (or have friends), but I bet you they have some pretty incredible hobbies and that they’re damn good at them. Being selfish isn’t as bad as it’s made out to be, and might yet yield some unexpected results.