Email+4+Being+Assertive

Email 4 Being an assertive person… The Mayo Clinic came up with an article to help you be assertive and live a happy and healthy life. Being assertive is not only when guy wants to catch the girl, it also has to do with work, social life and just life in general. Please read this article, it will change your view on life…  [|By Mayo Clinic Staff] Being assertive is a core communication skill. Being assertive means that you express yourself effectively and stand up for your point of view, while also respecting the rights and beliefs of others. Being assertive can also help boost your self-esteem and earn others' respect. This can help with stress management, especially if you tend to take on too many responsibilities because you have a hard time saying no. Some people seem to be naturally assertive. But if you're not one of them, you can learn to be more assertive. Being assertive is usually viewed as a healthier communication style. Being assertive offers many benefits. It helps you keep people from walking all over you. On the flip side, it can also help you from steamrolling others. Behaving assertively can help you: Learning to be more assertive can also help you effectively express your feelings when communicating with others about issues. People develop different styles of communication based on their life experiences. Your style may be so ingrained that you're not even aware of what it is. People tend to stick to the same communication style over time. But if you want to change your communication style, you can learn to communicate in healthier and more effective ways. Here are some tips to help you become more assertive: Hope this helps build a better you! -Lifebushido
 * “ ****Being assertive: Reduce stress, communicate better **
 * Assertiveness can help you control stress and anger and improve coping skills. Recognize and learn assertive behavior and communication. **
 * The benefits of being assertive **
 * Gain self-confidence and self-esteem
 * Understand and recognize your feelings
 * Earn respect from others
 * <span style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">Improve communication
 * <span style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">Create win-win situations
 * <span style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">Improve your decision-making skills
 * <span style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">Create honest relationships
 * <span style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">Gain more job satisfaction
 * <span style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">Learning to be more assertive **
 * **<span style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">Assess your style. **<span style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Do you voice your opinions or remain silent? Do you say yes to additional work even when your plate is full? Are you quick to judge or blame? Do people seem to dread or fear talking to you? Understand your style before you begin making changes.
 * **<span style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">Use 'I' statements. **<span style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Using "I" statements lets others know what you're thinking without sounding accusatory. For instance, say, "I disagree," rather than, "You're wrong."
 * **<span style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">Practice saying no. **<span style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;"> If you have a hard time turning down requests, try saying, "No, I can't do that now." Don't hesitate — be direct. If an explanation is appropriate, keep it brief.
 * **<span style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">Rehearse what you want to say. **<span style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;"> If it's challenging to say what you want or think, practice typical scenarios you encounter. Say what you want to say out loud. It may help to write it out first, too, so you can practice from a script. Consider role-playing with a friend or colleague and ask for blunt feedback.
 * **<span style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">Use body language. **<span style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Communication isn't just verbal. Act confident even if you aren't feeling it. Keep an upright posture, but lean forward a bit. Make regular eye contact. Maintain a neutral or positive facial expression. Don't wring your hands or use dramatic gestures. Practice assertive body language in front of a mirror or with a friend or colleague.
 * **<span style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">Keep emotions in check. **<span style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Conflict is hard for most people. Maybe you get angry or frustrated, or maybe you feel like crying. Although these feelings are normal, they can get in the way of resolving conflict. If you feel too emotional going into a situation, wait a bit if possible. Then work on remaining calm. Breathe slowly. Keep your voice even and firm.
 * **<span style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">Start small. **<span style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;"> At first, practice your new skills in situations that are low risk. For instance, try out your assertiveness on a partner or friend before tackling a difficult situation at work. Evaluate yourself afterward and tweak your approach as necessary.”