Is assertiveness something you are born with or is it a skill you aquire throughout your life? I’m pretty sure it’s something you learn…either way, though, I don’t have it and I really want some. I’m trying to be more assertive, but sometimes I feel like I’ve painted myself into a corner because of my lack of assertiveness. I feel like I’m a really outgoing person, so why is this one thing so hard. Is it because of my dislike for confrontation and conflict that my lack of assertiveness stems from? Can I get out of the corner once I’ve painted myself into it?!?
I think this is one of my major weaknesses both personally and professionally. Any thoughts on how I teach myself to be more assertive?
I think you nailed it right on the head. It is because of your lack of confrontation and dislike of conflict. Learn to be smart and listen…but also be smart and take action. My weakness is my “action” turns into @$$holiness….
Fake it. I am not kidding, the moments when my anxiety is at it’s highest, I completely fake it. You’ll get the hang of it, because you have the smarts to back it up. Good Luck!
Being assertive does not have to lead to conflict. Being assertive is the same thing as speaking your opinion or standing up for yourself and there is nothing wrong with that. You can do it in a non-conflict way. My weakness is that I am too assertive and sometimes I think people view me as being a b*@ch. There’s really a fine line.