How to Increase Your Self-Confidence

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By Althea DeBrule
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating: (3 Ratings)

The time you spend in your daily grind most likely involves sending and receiving messages through talking, listening, writing, or reading. You're either trying to understand someone else's message or to send one of your own. Sometimes it's difficult to convey your needs and wants to others successfully. You spend a lot of time trying not to step on toes, while simultaneously trying not to give into bullies and strong-willed types. For some people, the word, assertiveness, conjures up a host of bad synonyms including fear, aggressiveness, bullying, and arrogance to name a few. Yet genuine assertiveness is the cornerstone to self-confidence and involves a two-way communication process that allows you to ask for what you want while still respecting the requirements and desires of others. There's no doubt that the topic of assertiveness can be fascinating, and like most people, you probably find that it's easy to be assertive in some areas and difficult in others. Take these steps to help you gain more assertiveness and boost your self-confidence.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Assertiveness
Courage
Attentiveness
Good Interpersonal Skills

Step 1

Think about situations that make you hesitant, uncertain or timid.
Step 2

List the small annoyances, irritations or aggravations you tend to put up with rather than face a confrontation.
Step 3

Determine what areas need work and take steps to handle them one by one more assertively and with confidence.
Step 4

Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses and do what you can to counterbalance the weaknesses.
Step 5

Don't always try to get your way, nor give in all the time.
Step 6

Show respect for others as well as yourself. Listen attentively, get along with peers and learn to work well in groups or teams.
Step 7

Speak frankly and become known for your fairness and honesty.
Step 8

Admit any mistakes freely and without guilt. Refuse to blame others when they make mistakes.