Do you find it difficult to express your feelings, thoughts and beliefs openly, even when someone disagrees with your point of view? Do you say 'no' to a friend, colleague, family member, or supervisor without feeling guilty or anxious? Do you stand up to someone who is mistreating you? Do you choose the destination when you go out with friends? Do you let people take advantage of you for saying 'yes' to everything? Do you wish others could be as nice as you are and look out for your best interests? Do you say, "I'm sorry" more than you should? - If this sounds like you, you must be more assertive.
Increasing assertiveness can be life-changing if you are shy, passive, or have a tendency to please others. This book is about assertiveness and its value in all aspects of our lives, especially our relationships. Life itself doesn't have to be difficult, but the people in your life can make it more difficult than it needs to be. If you want an easy life, you can't be too submissive at one end of the scale or too dominant at the other; you need a good, balanced, healthy level of assertiveness. Being assertive can help you in the following ways:
Be able to communicate confidently:Have more self-confidence and self-esteem:Gain a sense of empowermentHave the ability to overcome negative thoughtsHow you listen and interpret messages from othersBetter at goal settingBe a more authentic selfBecome more likableEarn respect from othersCreate honest relationshipsLess anxiety and depressionGain more job satisfactionUnderstand and recognise your feelings
While assertiveness may not come naturally to us, it is a skill that can be learned and mastered. The journey to assertiveness need not be daunting. This book is a straightforward and accessible guide, offering a simple five-step effective technique that can be applied to any situation. It includes exercises and real-life examples to help you on your path to assertiveness.
