Self-confidence and assertiveness are necessary qualities for individuals seeking to maximize their success and happiness in life. Being shy, timid, and anxious can often prevent the attainment of life goals and impede personal success and happiness. Learning to be more confident and assertive can empower a person and give him/her the skills necessary to achieve and be happy. Read on to learn tips on how to become more confident and assertive.
• Be Yourself
But be yourself with confidence. Many people feel as if they have to change who they are in order to be confident, assertive, and self-assured. You are a unique person with unique talents, gifts, and abilities. Your worth as a human being is unquestionable; be yourself, but be a self-confident and assertive you!
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Live in the Present
Forget how timid, shy, and self-conscious you used to be. Forget about your past hurts, insults, or problems. You are alive in the here and now. Your self-confidence and ability to be assertive are alive and well and intact in the present. Dwelling on the past is damaging to self-confidence and self-esteem and is a huge impediment to personal growth!
• Meditate Regularly
Meditate and visualize yourself acting and feeling self-confident, assertive, and powerful. The mind is very powerful and can be used to break through blocks and barriers that have been holding you back. Breathe deeply and slowly as you visualize yourself steam rolling over your fears and insecurities and gaining extreme self-confidence.
• Counter Negative Thoughts
Make a habit of catching negative, hurtful thoughts about yourself that pop into your mind and countering them with positive, healthy thoughts. A lack of self-confidence and assertiveness are fed by a constant supply of negative, often times irrational thoughts. To raise self-confidence and to become more assertive, catch your negative thoughts and counter them with positive thoughts.
• Model Others' Behavior
Without changing who you are as a person, model the behaviors of confident, assertive people whom you admire or are impressed by. Modeling positive behavior is EXTREMELY effective at producing positive change and growth. Become an actor and adopt those confident and assertive behaviors that you covet: mannerisms, voice inflection, posture, approach, etc.
