Boost Your Self-Confidence
Career Management, Personal Growth, professional developmentThe following article presents the very latest information on assertiveness and self-confidence. If you have a particular interest in assertiveness, then this informative “Comfort Food” is required reading. The information about assertiveness presented here will do one of two things: either it will reinforce what you know about assertiveness or it will teach you something new. Both are good outcomes.
The time you spend in your daily grind most likely involves sending and receiving messages through talking, listening, writing, or reading. You’re either trying to understand someone else’s message or to send one of your own-usually trying to get someone to do something. Sometimes it’s difficult to convey your needs and wants to others successfully. You spend a lot of time trying not to “step on toes”, while simultaneously trying not to give into bullies and strong-willed types.
For some people, the word, assertiveness, conjures up a host of bad synonyms including fear, aggressiveness, bullying, and arrogance to name a few. Yet genuine assertiveness is the cornerstone to self-confidence and involves a two-way communication process that allows you to ask for what you want while still respecting the requirements and desires of others.
What Does Assertiveness Look Like?
You exude self-confidence and exhibit assertive behavior when you:
—Show respect for others as well as yourself.
—Listen attentively to others.
—Speak frankly and are known for your fairness and honesty.
—Admit any mistakes freely and without guilt.
—Refuse to blame others when they make mistakes.
—Get along with peers and work well in groups.
—Don’t always try to get your way, nor give in all the time.
—Are aware of your strengths and weaknesses and do what you can to counterbalance the weaknesses.
Strategies to Boost Your Self-Confidence
There’s no doubt that the topic of assertiveness can be fascinating, and like most people, you probably find that it’s easy to be assertive in some areas and difficult in others. Here are a few strategies to help you gain more assertiveness and boost your self-confidence:
- Think about situations that make you hesitant, uncertain or timid.
- List the small annoyances, irritations or aggravations you tend to put up with rather than face a confrontation.
- Determine what areas need work and take steps to handle them one by one more assertively and with confidence.
