re: Is it possible to do something that you think is not in your best self interest?

I guess I'm stuck on the "best" part of the question. It's not in my best interest. It's self-serving, sure, but there are other choices that would have benefited me more yet I did not choose them.

Are you asking if there is such a thing as a selfless act? Sure there is. I'm married with a kid. Some things I do for her or for him are for their sake alone and have no benefit to me, our relationships, or their futures. No one hears about them. I don't get thanks. It's not even something I necessary get pleasure from doing, but they often do.