“Assertiveness is not what you do, it’s who you are!” ― Shakti Gawain
“It is a mistake to look at someone who is self assertive and say, ‘It’s easy for her, she has good self-esteem.’ One of the ways you build self-esteem is by being self-assertive when it is not easy to do so. There are always times when self-assertiveness requires courage, no matter how high your self-esteem.” says Nathaniel Branden.
A social skill which depends on effective communication, at the same time, respecting the thoughts and wishes of others, is termed as Assertiveness.
A Person who is assertive, clearly and respectfully communicates his desires , needs, positions, and boundaries to others. There’s no question of where they stand, no matter what the circumstances and situations are there.
Individuals who have a degree of assertiveness, don’t hesitate from expressing their points of view or goals, or from trying to convince others to see their side. They are open to both compliments and constructive criticism. A person’s Assertiveness can be improved through practical exercises and experience.
Importance of Assertiveness;
According to Bryan Cranston words “I think naturally, if you’re an actor, there’s a high level of assertiveness that you need to have to survive this business. There’s boldness in being assertive, and there’s strength and confidence.” The basic quality of assertiveness allows someone to make proposals to other people and stand up for themselves or others in a nonaggressive way. It can also protect them from being bullied and other social prey.
The merit of assertiveness offers a number of advantages, ranging from less anxiety and depression to a high level of agency and better relationships.
Assertiveness is usually attached with a great quality of self-esteem and confidence.They react to positive and negative emotions without becoming aggressive or relying on passivity..From a cognitive standpoint, assertive people experience fewer anxious thoughts, even when under stress. From a behavioral standpoint, assertive people are firm without being rude.
Benefits of Assertiveness
The quality of being assertive offers a number of benefits, ranging from less anxiety and depression to a greater sense of agency and better relationships. Assertiveness is many times associated with higher self-esteem and confidence.
It’s natural that Individuals who are unable to show assertiveness in them, believe deep down that they don’t possess more worth than others. They may have doubt in themselves and are reluctant to show before taking action due to fear of the consequences. They frequently avoid trying new things and have a habit to allow other people’s desires to determine their goals.
Drawbacks of not displaying Assertiveness
People who are unable to exhibit assertiveness find in themselves being sensitive to criticism, extreme passivity, insecurity, anxiety, or even low self-esteem. They are liable to be treated like emotional doormats whose needs always come second. In extreme cases, they may completely lose sight of what they need and want in life.
Research has shown that those who lack the ability to stand up for themselves. One reason is that those who are unable to assert themselves or defend themselves even when picked on have a tragedy that no one comes to their help because the inability to stand up for oneself makes everybody very uncomfortable. Self-assertion is a basic skill in life.
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