There are mainly three kinds of behavioral patterns that people tend to follow. These are assertiveness which is the middle of the scale and the best and on the other two sides of the scale you have passive, submissive or non-assertiveness behavior and aggressive behavior.
None of us can go on to adopt a positively assertiveness behavioral style all the time. Life is just not made that way. Therefore, even if we show assertiveness most of the time it will be fine for us. Out of all the three forms of behavior passive is the most dangerous as you will be considered to be inferior and taken advantage of. People who are passive will allow others to walk all over them and they will not be able to voice their needs and wants or either their opinions and views. These are the kind of people who will be most likely being caught in a win-lose situation whereby they end up getting the short end of the stick.
On the other hand people who are aggressive are also at a loss as they are direct and upfront in a very rude and harsh manner. Although, people do say that being aggressive in certain situations such as in the case of salesmen!
Project and visualize positive thoughts and happenings. When you feel down in the dumps sit down and count your blessings.
Increase your stress tolerance threshold so that things don't get to you immediately.
Adopt a self fulfilling prophecy mode. This means that you speak to yourself regularly and let yourself know that you are going to be able to achieve what you set out to get. This could be your first step towards turning more assertive and getting the most out of life. Also when you visualize your assertive self you will be in a far better position to actually get about getting at it.
Decisiveness and its impact on assertiveness:
Firstly, ascertain whether you are very decisive and hence unhappy with any indecision or moderately decisive and hence consider familiar as well as unfamiliar information before deciding or completely indecisive and incapable of making up your mind.
Assertiveness is linked with being moderately decisive. This will help you to take the right decisions and find the ideal solution for yourself under any circumstance.
Put your best foot forward:
Determine your behavioral pattern and match it with the situation on hand.
Choose a role model/s who demonstrates the assertiveness skills that you would love to have. Learn their styles but ultimately modify them to suit your purpose.
In case of criticism coming your way the first step is to listen attentively. Then challenge the criticism based on the knowledge, skill and expertise of the person. Lastly ask for developmental solutions to help you get ahead.
Therefore, armed with these assertiveness strategies go right ahead and make yourself be seen and heard by the right people. Certainly, assertiveness will enable you to progress down the road to success.
