I can't remember what book I read this in (some book about the curiosities of the English language), but an author suggested that people use the word "self-ful" to describe a healthy self-interest, as opposed to what would normally be described as "selfish".

He described how men and women act differently to getting autographed books for themselves. While men tend to be proud about it, women tend to be more embarrassed that they want the autograph for themselves. He started telling these women that they were doing and good and "self-ful" thing. I kind of hope it catches on.