How to Avoid Being a Pushover

Success is Relative

Have you ever felt as though you were being taken for granted? All of your friends and family members know that you have a big heart and are certain that if they happened to get into any trouble, you would be right there to get them out of trouble. The first few times, your friends or family members call upon you to fix whatever is going wrong in their own life, without caring about what is going on in your life. They figure that you're well to do and you are obligated to help them out. I admit, you do have some obligation to help out those whom are close to you, but where do you draw the line? For example, remember when legendary rap sensation MC Hammer became broke? Why do you think that happened? He surrounded himself with people that turned out to be leaches because when the money was gone so were they. In this article, we will discuss how to be compassionate without being a pushover.

Instructions

1. Don't be afraid to say no-the only person that knows what you go through on a daily basis is you. You know the nature of your financial status, you also know whether or not you are in the position to assist someone who is in trouble. If everyone around you identifies you as being a pushover then they will expect you to clean up their mess and come running every time they call. This is why you should surround yourself with people you trust the most. At times, we are pushed to the limit and are unable to help everyone who asks us for help. So don't be surprised if people take offence to your decision to not help them at this time. It's not as if we choose not to assist those that we love, it's the simple fact that we have reached a breaking point in which case we are unable to help, especially during this recession. So don't allow anyone to put pressure on you or guilt trip you into giving if you are not capable. Do not hesitate to say no.

2. Stand firm on your decision-In some cases, an individual would try to persuade you to reconsider. If you had already told the person "no," then stand by your decision. You should always "say what you mean and mean what you say," no matter what. People will often try to intimidate you or persuade you to do what they want you to do, this is called intimidation. You have an obligation to not let people walk all over you, now, I'm not saying don't help anybody, I am a firm believer in helping those who are less fortunate, however; if you are barely making ends meet, your house is in foreclosure or your company is going under, then you should let them know that you will not be able to do anything for them and if they get upset, then that is just too bad. Sometimes people will ask you for something without knowing what you're are currently going through because you have failed to mention your issues and for the most part, it was really none of their business.

3. Listen and offer suggestions- Find out what type of help they need and refer them to someone or an organization that could probably assist them in getting their needs met, this would show the relative or friend that you empathize with their current situation and are eager to point them in the right direction.

Tips & Warnings

• People hate being told "no" and as a result they may even become offended