A lot of this stems from the fact we're stuck in our own heads, making most situations in life about ourselves - how it affects us, how it forces our hand, etc. So, it is very self-involved, which is why people compare us to narcissists. But narcissists are manipulative jerks, so the comparison is off base.

I find that, quite often, reminding myself that a situation is not about me, and moving the focus to the task at hand or the person who is really being affected, goes a long way.