How does it impact self-perception?

Tim Ferriss shares that taking care of a puppy had a significant effect on his self-perception, notably in dealing with his depression. Engaging in the daily responsibilities of puppy training helped him shift focus away from self-absorbed ruminations toward more outwardly focused activities. This outward focus, according to Ferriss, is anti-depressive. He also mentions that interactions with his puppy highlighted the irrationality of his responses to everyday frustrations, teaching him to adopt more constructive behaviors like positive reinforcement, which he found applicable not just to animals but to human interactions as well. Moreover, the experience of unconditional love from his puppy, sans verbal communication, served as a profound lesson on emotional connections 1.

This description reflects how taking responsibility for another being can lead to significant self-awareness and changes in self-perception, emphasizing the power of nurturance and outward focus in mental health.