Confidence and Assertiveness are two tools needed to overcome life’s ups and downs.  If you lack confidence you lack the ability to overcome most challenges.  What does it mean to be assertive and confident?  Assertiveness and having confidence is the ability to achieve goals in life.

During job interviews, potential employers look for important qualities in potential employees. Assertiveness and confidence are high on the list. Think about people you admire in the business world – they are often seen as having confidence and assertiveness.

Here are the top 5 ways to become assertive and confident:

Conquer shyness. Shyness is sometimes mistaken for having low self-esteem – it’s not the same thing. There are many shy people that have a very healthy self image, but lack confidence and assertiveness.  If you're shy, try these assertiveness techniques:

Visualization. Visualize yourself in situations and circumstances experiencing a positive outcome.  This will give you a better "what if" scenario, and help you be better prepared for any variation.

Practice speaking. If you are a shy person, it is safe to say you dislike the sound of your own voice. If this is the case, practice speaking in front of a mirror or in front of a small audience of family and friends. The more you practice this technique the more confident you will become.

Emphasize the positive. Using positive affirmation is a good way to build confidence.  . By using affirmations to assert your positive characteristics, you can convince yourself that you are brilliant and worthy of great things. After all, sometimes the hardest person to convince is you!

There is a difference between being aggressive and assertive. Aggressive people are often over bearing and pushy.  An assertive person approaches each situation with concern and ideas to improve the situation.

Become knowledgeable. One of the best methods of being assertive and confident is to know your subject matter. No matter what the situation is, the more you know, the more confident you'll be.

Speak up. Show confidence when you speak, even if you don't feel confident. Practice speaking confidently. The more you practice the more it will become second nature.

Take your examples from people you admire. Chances are the people you admire have the assertiveness and confidence you're looking for in your own life.

Observe how they do things.

Watch what they say and how they say it

Watch their body language.

Learning to be confident and assertive can allow you to achieve your goals with simplicity, whatever they may be. Practicing these and other technique will put you on the right track to success.

Believe in yourself and your abilities. Keep in mind that some of our best leaders didn't start out with assertiveness skills and confidence. Try these assertiveness techniques and you can change the way you do things!