Everyone can learn how to stand up for themselves. When you know this, you will value yourself more and your life will be of higher quality.
Every day we decide many times whether we will stand behind our idea, our thoughts or our desire, we will reveal it to others, we will expose ourselves and risk being rejected and misunderstood. Sometimes it seems simpler to just go with the flow and thus avoid potential conflict. But if we allow people to walk all over us, we will only increase our own internal discomfort, raise the level of stress and anxiety, and as a result, our sense of self-worth will decline.
If you learn how to stand up for yourself, you will better control your life, you will believe more in your own strength and you will be more courageous to step towards your dreams. The stronger you feel, the stronger you can become. These are 10 things that will help you stand up for yourself better.
Be transparent and authentic
Sometimes it's really hard, but if you know each other express clearly and honestly, you will feel much better. When you learn to say how you feel and what you think, and be authentic in every moment, when you internalize that it's okay for people to hear you without being too invasive...the people around you will be more receptive to your words .
Take small but decisive steps
If you are not naturally determined, know that determination can be learned. Start by walking – walking confidently with your head held high it will help you feel more confident. Channel that sense of self-confidence even when you're dealing with people who get on your nerves.
When someone attacks, wait for them
As you learn to be more confident in expressing yourself, be prepared for a lot of people to want to run over you. There is always someone whose personality is such that they like to attack others. At that time, it is important to remain calm but firm. Don't stoop to his level and don't respond with low blows. Maintain a lofty attitude and stay grounded.
Get the facts straight before you attack someone
Before you get into a verbal duel and prove who is right and who is wrong, take a deep breath and calm down. Of course, you will always feel that you are right. However, it is very important to you don't respond with an emotional charge. Avoid using an offensive tone and accusatory words. Explain clearly how you see the situation, and wait for your "opponent" to explain his side. Only then can the real conversation begin.
Practice makes perfect
Once you know what it means to stand up for yourself, it's time to practice it as often as possible. When someone says something you don't agree with at all, or you feel like someone is forcing you to do something you don't want to do, say so. Research has proven that it lasts 66 days to adopt a new habit. So persist for at least a good two months. The result will certainly positively surprise you.
Talk to each other
I'm sure we've all shared our work or living space with someone who wasn't exactly regular. You may have been silent for a long time, but inside you were just burning with anger. You have almost become passive-aggressive and angrily tackled the cleaning and tidying up yourself, making angry comments at the same time. Stop. Instead of getting angry, take a deep breath and have an honest conversation with your roommate or co-worker. Calmly tell him what is bothering you and suggest how you can solve the embarrassment.
Stand up for your time
Time is precious and none of us have enough of it. Everyone sometimes gets the feeling that others are stealing their time, and this makes us stressed. That's why you have to learn to say "no". Of course, sometimes we just have to do what we're told. However, we must not let our obligations dictate the course of our day. Controlling how you spend your time is YOUR business. If there is no other way, start tactically backing away from people who steal your time.
No one should underestimate you
You are in charge of making decisions about how you will feel and what you will do. Your thoughts, ideas, beliefs are yours alone and no one else can tell you what to feel or think.
Persist!
If you are still in the process of learning how to stand up for yourself, you should realize that no one learns this overnight. It will take some time, but it's worth sticking with. However, for this skill, as for all the rest, it is true that once you learn it, you will never forget it.
