Short messages on Confidence from Respect Yourself, the guidance site for young people to help make good decisions in life.
Responding in a passive or non-assertive way tends to mean compliance with the wishes of others and can undermine individual rights and self-confidence.
Assertiveness is based on balance. It requires being forthright about your wants and needs while still considering the rights, needs, and wants of others.
“Assertiveness” is the ability to speak up for ourselves in a way that is honest and respectful, and helps us do the things we want to do. This skill can be learned.
Never doubt yourself. Doubt is only a thought and feeling. Break through the barrier of doubt to better yourself. Doubts are part of life; act in spite of them.
Doing bad behaviour to get attention often just brings the consequences for that behaviour. Try talking instead about what it is you actually want.
The best way to get someone’s attention is to ask for it. Ask directly and politely: “I would like your attention for something, are you free now?”
“Expect trouble as an inevitable part of life, and when it comes, hold your head high. Look it squarely in the eye, and say, ‘I will be bigger than you. You cannot defeat me.” – Ann Landers
Be the difference that makes the difference. You have it within you.
“I always wondered why somebody doesn’t do something about that. Then I realized I am somebody.” – Lily Tomlin
“Embrace your own body, don’t hide away and boil in clothes that cover you up. Be proud of who you are!” See our body image messages for more tips.