Stand up. Have a voice...

“Staying silent is like a slow growing cancer to the soul and a trait of a true coward. There is nothing intelligent about not standing up for yourself. You may not win every battle. However, everyone will at least know what you stood for—YOU.” 
― Shannon L. Alder

(Second post in the series about courageous habits and characteristics)

​Do people tend to take advantage of your inability to stand up for yourself and to say "no"?

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There is hope for you - you can learn to stand up for your rights and to not please others in everything you do. Assertiveness is essential for success.  Assertiveness is the key to good communication. It means that you are truthful to your true thoughts, feelings and what you believe in, while at the same time, showing respect for the other person. Assertiveness is to define your limits and choose your values. It is to know when to speak when to be silent, and to maintain your yes or no you
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​"Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak;
 courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen."
Winston Churchill

courage magnet
by margiehurd

 
To be assertive is not to be heartless - it's not the same as selfish.
And It is NOT to trample on others on your way to the top of the ladder of success.
 
Be tactful, but stand up for what you believe in even if you standing alone. This means that you should stand up for what is right even if no one agrees with you, and do the right thing in the face of your fears.

A few assertiveness techniques you may try:

• Respect both yourself and the other people involved.
• Have faith in your own abilities. Find out what your strengths are, use them to defend your position.
• Always begin with a positive statement. A Few examples to try:
• Compliment the other person, and mean it.
• Apologize for anything you may have done wrong.
• Acknowledge the other person. An example: “I can see why you feel that way".

 
When you are developing your assertiveness, you should:

• Value yourself but you should remember your rights are not more important than anyone else's.
• Be aware that each person is responsible for his or her own behavior.
• Express your negative thoughts in a positive manner.

 
Reasons to stand up for your beliefs
The more we compromise our values, the more the negative impact is on our mental wellbeing.
Standing up for your beliefs will increase your self-confidence and develops self-respect, and Integrity.

​Becoming assertive may not be of the easiest things you have ever done, but mastering it is one of the most rewarding.
Practice makes perfect.

Always Remember You Are The Best Text Pillow
by Vitalijus

​Further reading - #RoaringCourage