Even if you’ve never considered yourself to be assertive, mastering a few basic techniques soon starts to reap untold rewards. Apply the I-T-I-A Formula ©:Decide to become more assertive.Think like an assertive person, and think of yourself as one. Imagine yourself behaving assertively and being treated accordingly. Act assertively. Start by taking small steps. Keep going until the uncomfortable feelings fade.“This above all: to thine own self be true. And it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man. William Shakespeare ”
Choose ‘kind’
Truly assertive people use their skills responsibly. They know when to ‘chill out’ and when to ‘come on strong’. And they never deliberately hurt others’ feelings.
So whenever you’re faced with a choice of demonstrating how right you are and simply being kind, ask yourself whether it really matters, and if it doesn’t,
choose kind!
An Assertive Response
If someone is rude to you, put a hurt expression on your face and say, ‘You know, I found that
awfully rude!’