Reject the Request Not the Person

Applying the assertiveness formula

Joshua Rawson-Harris on Unsplash

Haven’t we all been there. We say ‘yes’ when we mean ‘no’ and fail to speak up while shouting in our heads.

If you are giving in to the demands of others and ignoring your own needs, or failing to speak up when you have something to say, it may be time to work on your assertiveness.

Yet, there could be several reasons your assertiveness is letting you down:

• Are you trying to fit in?
• Are you unsure of your worth?
• Are you unclear on how to assert yourself?
• Or are you avoiding rocking the boat or being disliked?

And being assertive, rather than passive or aggressive, is crucial to your confidence and vital to your mental wellbeing — let alone building your dreams and leading the life you want.

So, what can assertiveness do for me?

Assertiveness, especially in challenging environments, has many benefits, including:

• Increasing self-confidence, self-knowledge, and self-respect
• Building effective communication during conflict or confrontation
• Earning respect from peers