Here Are Some Guidelines on Assertiveness That Would Effectively Set Boundaries and Respect From Other People
By: Benedict Smythe
Submitted: 2008-09-06 06:51:30 | Word Count: 522
Time is an asset that everyone has, regrettably, not everyone manages this important asset effectively. Time, when used properly, will be able to yield money and other resources. Time spent is time gone—that’s a fact of life and assertiveness is the necessary key to make time work for anyone.
Assertiveness + Time = Wealth
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Assertiveness is a person’s ability to express his feelings, opinions, ideas, needs and wants without hurting other people’s emotions. Assertiveness has levels of skills and is absolutely important to all people yet this necessity is also one of the most overlooked aspects of life. Even the most intelligent people who can map out what they want in life would fail to reach their goals if they do not have assertiveness. Protecting one’s rights begins at childhood and there are many factors that could contribute to the lack of assertiveness or having the right amount of this valuable behavior.
Being assertive does not mean bullying other people neither does it mean giving away valuable time to other people because of their incessant begging. Assertiveness takes time to develop and be fully learned but with constant practice and much willpower, it can be achieved.
Being bullied by aggressive individuals could be prevented by setting up boundaries. These are some of the most effective traits that an assertive person must have to make bullies respect time and other people’s rights:
• An assertive person makes the correct choices. Even if aggressive people surround them, assertive people do not give in and would simply explain that their time is valuable and should be spent well.
• An assertive person must know when and where to set the boundaries. He must also be receptive and sensitive. If others tend to be abusive, an assertive person will know how to calmly and pleasantly explain his standards. If the aggressor remains adamant, an assertive person should still know how to handle the situation and not let it get out of hand.
• Assertive people think of how they should react well ahead of situations that would require reactions in that manner. Visualization is a necessary element to this. Being assertive does not happen overnight; it takes constant practice and visualization of the end goal.
• Assertive people should also explain what they want to achieve in its simplest form. There should be no manipulation while an assertive person is in the process of explaining his goals.
• Assertive time choices along with the acceptance of other people’s rights and feelings are the most important aspects of being in charge of one’s time.
• Once people know what boundaries have been set, they are less likely to test the determination of the one keeping his goals. Safeguarding these boundaries is essential to being respected. Saying no is quite easy for assertive individuals.
A person who is firm about his time and beliefs would signal to the world that he is assertive and that he is confident about what he wants. He does this without degrading or hurting other people; and above all, he achieves the state of assertiveness only when he couples his endeavors with faith.
