Fortunately, you take challenges seriously, and the assertiveness skills you need to manage your time can be learned right here. First, select which ways perfectionism interferes with your assertiveness. Then study the strategies that apply directly to you.

3 Perfectionism Pitfalls to Assertiveness:

Perfectionism Pitfall #1: "I Can't Say No!"

To seem perfect, you can't ever expose yourself to be conflicted or overwhelmed. Therefore, you may:

Fear losing face if you admit that your current demands are all you can possibly handle.

See any request as a possible path to advancement in a work situation or relationship, and be too ambitious to turn an offer down.

Perfectionism Pitfall #2: "Rescuer Overload."

You want to be the perfect friend and co-worker. Therefore, you may:

Give in to requests for help, rather than take care of your own top priorities.

Volunteer to rescue someone in distress, even before they ask.

Perfectionism Pitfall #3: "Perfect Means Never Saying You're Angry."

This trap stifles your impulse to authentically express resentment at unreasonable demands. Instead, you may:

Grit your teeth and resign yourself to postponing your important project.

Overextend yourself and then make mistakes that take up even more of your time to clean up.

3 Proven Assertiveness Course Strategies:

Assertiveness Strategy #1: Be Perfectly Clear

You must substitute appearing to be in control with genuinely controlling your time. Notice how this appoints you, not the other person, as the judge of what's your best choice in any situation. By communicating that there's a limit to what you can manage, and prioritizing before committing, you demonstrate that you rule your time. Ultimately, self-respect earns others' respect.

Assertiveness Strategy #2: Be Perfectly Human

Accepting there's only so much you can do benefits you and others, too:

Your important relationships are not contaminated with resentment.

Others develop confidence and resourcefulness as they address their own challenges.

You keep on schedule with your own tasks.

Remember, you can be always compassionate without over-committing yourself.

Assertiveness Strategy #3: Be Perfectly Authentic

You are entitled to share your feelings, no matter what you were taught "perfect people should do" when you were younger. Explore ways to communicate boundaries that are even-handed, and you will be placed in fewer situations that make you angry. Boundaries shape your life. So draw boundaries that fit your priorities perfectly, and make them stick.

Practice makes perfect. And by practicing assertive boundaries, you'll enjoy your life much more. Mistakes will seem less serious. You may even try this new maxim:

"Assertiveness is the New Perfect."

What is your next step to create the boundaries that will give you control over your time and give you assertiveness?