To be assertive is to be direct about what you want, what you feel, and what you believe in a way that’s respectful to other people. Once you learn the art of being assertive, it will build your self-confidence, reduce conflict in your life, and also improve both personal and business relationships.
Honestly, this is something that I am still working on in my life, so you can imagine it’s a hard subject for me to disclose to the world. I got to a point where I was unable to keep a few relationships that was very dear to me. Now I’m aware that sometimes you grow and people are left behind, but I’m also aware that sometimes you have to look at yourself to decide if you are the reason that relationship ended. I believe I’m at that point where I can say, “Yes, I was the reason why and I need to fix this or that about myself”. Either I was too passive and I let things slide or either I was too aggressive and I let things go off to the deep end. What I now know is either of those ways did not bring me inner peace that I deeply desired.
To Be Assertive Is To Know Who You Are
The one thing I believe is vital to gaining your inner peace is knowing who you are as a person, and not be afraid to say what you feel and think in any situation. In order to do that you have to know a few ways to be assertive in a productive manner.
Here a just a few ways you can start to become assertive:
Make a decision to positively assert yourself. Assertiveness is an interpersonal skill in which you demonstrate the healthy confidence to stand up for yourself while still respecting the rights of others.
Understand and accept differences. Assertiveness doesn’t mean being dismissive of other people’s points of view. Just as you state your own opinion, you work to understand other points of view.
Speak simply and directly. It’s important to speak in a way that doesn’t imply accusations or make the other person feel guilty.
Set boundaries. Boundaries are the rules and limits you create for yourself that help you decide what you will and won’t allow.
If you have read up until this point I know that I have peaked somewhat of an interest in you. Please feel free to read The Assertiveness Guide for Women: How to Communicate Your Needs, Set Healthy Boundaries, and Transform Your Relationships to dive in a little more in what it means to be assertive. I promise it will change your life completely. Peace and Love
