I am working on selfish.

I talked to a very good friend of mine on the way home from work tonight. Recently, my husband told me that I have a fear of success and my friend lovingly confirmed that. I can succeed if it sets a good example or benefits others, but when it comes to working on my weight and health - well that is selfish and I am not selfish. It confuses me as to why I cannot wrap my arms around being selfish since my parents mastered it, but it was suggested that maybe that is why I find it so difficult. Do they have a book for this?