Fake It Till You Make It: Assertiveness Edition
By: A Staff Writer
Updated on: Aug 30, 2024
Fake It Till You Make It: Assertiveness Edition
Feeling assertive doesn’t always come first. Sometimes acting assertive kickstarts the inner confidence boost.
We wait for a magic feeling of power before speaking up. That might never come. Action leads to feeling.
- Power posing works: Amy Cuddy’s research shows how your posture can literally shift your mindset
- Preparation prevents panic: Rehearse asking for what you want in private before going for it in real life.
- Visualize success: Imagine yourself calmly, firmly getting what you want. Makes it easier in the moment.
- “What’s the worst that could happen?”: Usually less scary than our fears would have us believe.
- Learn from role models: Who exudes the assertiveness you want? Emulate them, not perfectly, just as a start.
- Track your victories: Even small wins (“I returned that faulty thing!”) build the muscle over time.
Who do you consider assertive in a way you admire?
Schedule a “just ask” session. 10 minutes, make a list of things you want, then bravely start asking!