Do you find yourself going with the flow all too often because you want to avoid conflict? Would you like to be more confident in making your views or desires known? When you let people walk over you too often, it can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety. It can also lead to harmful feelings of insecurity and lacking in self-worth. Standing up for yourself if not something that comes naturally to everyone. Indeed, some people struggle with it throughout their lives. It is, however, a skill you can learn. The benefits will be a belief in your own power, and a boldness to reach for your dreams. You’ll also feel and become a stronger person, so here are five tips to help you become more assertive in your life.
Examine the Situation
Before you do or say anything in any situation, take the time to examine it and understand precisely what’s going on. You’ll be able to approach any situation better if you know exactly what’s being said and what a person means. After all, misunderstandings can be very embarrassing.
Take Small but Powerful Steps
It’s always better to learn to take small steps before you worry about making big ones. Start learning to walk more confidently, with your head held high and your shoulders back because this helps you appear and feel more confident. When you’re dealing with others, try to channel that confidence. It’s an attitude you can apply to all areas of your life. For example, when a person cuts in front of you in the queue or an unfair charge appears on your service providers bill.
Keep Practicing
Practice makes perfect in a variety of situations, and being more assertive is one of them. It can take a little bit of time for your assertiveness to warm up, and practice will help build your strength in this area. Try to be assertive in smalls ways before working up to encounters that take more effort. The more you stand up for yourself, the better you’ll become.
Be Firm
It is often said that you have to show people how you want them to treat you. In other words, lead by example. While this approach might sometimes work in the long-term, you’re much better off telling someone you’re not prepared to be treated in a certain way. If you’re firm in the way that you say it, the other person will know that you mean it and understand what is and isn’t acceptable in the way they behave towards you.
If you find yourself in a situation you can’t deal with or you feel you’re being unfairly treated, there is also a legal approach you can take. Speak with a professional, such as Barcan+Kirby Solicitors in Bristol, and ask for some advice.
Be Diplomatic
When it comes to standing up for yourself, you’re going to find that people often expect it to be done angrily or irrationally. Learning to approach situations diplomatically and with a calmness often makes them feel unsure. It means that they’re not ready and this is the best way to win any kind of conflict.
Thanks to Carol
Follow These 5 Tips & Stand Up for Yourself in Any Situation
June 10, 2019 by