We’ve all been there, right? Those moments when it feels like the universe owes us something. Maybe it’s a little recognition for all the hard work we’ve put in, an apology for something that hurt us, or simply some simple respect.
We get this feeling that we deserve more than what we’re getting, and it’s easy to fall into that trap. We think that just because we’ve put in the effort or have certain expectations, things should just go our way. But over time, I realized something really important: this mindset doesn’t bring us peace or happiness. Instead, it holds us back.
I’ll admit, for a long time, I had a hard time letting go of the idea that I was entitled to certain things. I wanted people to treat me a certain way, to give me what I felt I deserved.
And when things didn’t go the way I thought they should, I’d feel frustrated, even resentful. But eventually, I had this lightbulb moment: entitlement doesn’t bring peace—it builds walls. The more I held onto that sense of entitlement, the more discontent I became. It kept me from truly appreciating what I had and left me feeling empty.
If you’re someone who’s also been caught in that cycle, I want to share what helped me begin to break free. It wasn’t something that happened overnight, but by making small changes, I started feeling lighter, more at peace, and much more grateful for the life I already have.
How To Be Less Entitled
If you’re always feeling entitled, here are a few things to do to stop being entitled.
1. Recognize and Own Up to Your Entitlement
The first step in any change is realizing there’s an issue. For me, this was the hardest part. I had to admit that I was expecting things from others without truly earning them. I expected things to just fall into place because, well, I thought I deserved it. But once I took a step back and really reflected, I saw how unhealthy that way of thinking was. Recognizing it was the first big step toward shifting my mindset.
2. Shift Your Focus: Start Practicing Gratitude
Gratitude was a game-changer for me. Instead of fixating on what I felt was owed to me, I started focusing on what I already had. Every day, I wrote down three things I was grateful for. Even the smallest of things. Over time, this simple practice helped me appreciate the good things in my life, big and small, and let go of that constant feeling of “I should have more.” It’s amazing how gratitude can shift your entire outlook.
3. Take Responsibility for Your Actions
Entitlement often comes hand in hand with a lack of personal accountability. I used to blame others for my setbacks, thinking, “If only this had happened differently, I’d be where I want to be.” But when I started owning up to my actions—whether things went right or wrong—I felt a sense of empowerment. I realized I wasn’t a victim; I had the ability to shape my own path. No more waiting for others to make things happen. When I stopped expecting the world to change for me, I began making changes for myself.
4. Stop Comparing Your Journey to Others
This was a tough one for me. I’d often look at others and think, “Why do they have it so easy? Why aren’t I getting what I deserve?” But I came to realize something crucial: comparison is the thief of joy. When I spent all my time comparing my life to others, I missed out on appreciating what I had worked for. I had to stop measuring my success against someone else’s and start focusing on my own journey. I came to understand that my path is unique, and it doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s.
Related: How To Stop Comparing Yourself To Others
5. Give Without Expecting Anything in Return
One of the most freeing lessons I’ve learned is the importance of giving without expecting anything back. In the past, I would do things for others hoping for something in return—whether it was a favor, recognition, or appreciation. But when I started giving selflessly, I began to feel a sense of fulfillment that came from within. Not from the approval of others. Giving without expecting anything back has been incredibly liberating, and it’s a practice I continue to embrace every day.
6. Be Patient and Trust the Process
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to want immediate results. I used to be all about quick fixes, thinking that things should happen instantly. But I’ve come to realize that good things take time. I had to learn patience and trust that my efforts would eventually pay off, even if I didn’t see results right away. Once I stopped expecting everything to happen on my timeline, I found peace in the process, and I learned to appreciate the journey, no matter how long it took.
7. Accept That Life Isn’t Fair—and That’s Okay
There’s something incredibly freeing about understanding that life isn’t always going to be fair. People won’t always treat you the way you think you deserve. Things won’t always go according to plan. But rather than feeling bitter or disappointed, I learned to embrace these challenges as opportunities for growth. Life isn’t about fairness; it’s about how we respond to what comes our way. Once I embraced this, I found it easier to stop expecting perfection from life and start making the best of what I had.
Final Thoughts
Becoming less entitled isn’t an easy or quick journey, but it’s one that comes with incredible rewards. What I’ve learned is that life isn’t about waiting for the world to give me what I think I deserve. It’s about being grateful for what I already have, taking responsibility for my actions, and finding peace in the process, not in some far-off destination.
Letting go of entitlement doesn’t mean lowering your standards or settling for less. It means finding contentment in the present moment and understanding that nothing is owed to you. When you stop expecting the world to cater to your needs, you free yourself to enjoy the beauty of what’s already around you.
Have you ever struggled with feelings of entitlement? How did you begin to overcome them? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Share them with me—I’m excited to hear your story.
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