Do you often feel like you are pushed around at work or in your everyday life? Listening to what everyone has to say and not being able to make a decision on your own can be quite frustrating. That’s why you need to be assertive. Assertiveness is a much sought-after quality in today’s world. Whether it is a question of resolving a conflict or making a decision, being assertive allows you to remain firm in your convictions, while also being flexible.
While most people confuse being assertive with being aggressive, assertiveness simply helps you understand that it’s okay to say ‘no’ and express your feelings, even if they are unpopular. In short, being assertive gives you a voice. However, some people have a hard time expressing themselves, especially when they are in an intimidating environment where others seem to dominate them easily. That’s why we recommend them counseling for assertiveness. This counseling equips you with skills and practical resources to create a lasting change. After all, you can’t fake feeling powerful for too long; it is only when you truly feel powerful, things will change within you and around you.
Let’s look at some steps to assertiveness that will help you in all situations.
Steps to Be Assertive
Let’s explore a few steps that you can learn in order to be assertive under all circumstances.
Voice Your Opinions and Needs
Being assertive means that you say what you want to say, directly, without beating around the bush. That’s what counseling for assertiveness teaches you. You need to be direct and let people know how you feel about things that matter to you; be it at work, home or any other place. Saying what you feel may seems difficult and even risky at times but it’s always the best option. However, being assertive does not mean that you do not take into account the feelings of other people. Hence, your goal is to be direct while respecting others.
Make Eye Contact
Eye contact can be the most intimidating yet the most reassuring thing. Avoiding eye contact can be seen as a sign of avoiding confrontation or even honesty. That’s why when you make conversation with someone, make eye contact with them, but make sure you don’t stare aggressively. There’s always a balance.
Take Responsibility of Your Behavior
When you stand up for what you believe in you, you also need to take accountability for your mistakes. Admitting your mistakes will allow you to work on them and be better in the future. However, don’t take accountability for other people’s mistakes. Instead, hold everyone accountable for their own actions.
Learn to Say “No”
Your answer to everything doesn’t always have to be a YES. Practice saying no without feeling guilty. Moreover, stop using alternate word for “No”, like “maybe” or “I don’t think so”, just say the word.
In this competitive world everyone wants to get to the top. Not being able to speak for yourself can hold you back. Counseling for assertiveness can help you come out of your shell and be more assertive in all situations. If you want to gain the respect of your peers and move forward in your career and personal life, contact Jane Morales. Jane is a life force advisor who specializes in assertiveness counseling, helping her clients voice their opinion, expressing their tastes and communicating their interests clearly, while also respecting others. She can completely turn your life around. Visit our website to get in touch with her, now.