Assertiveness and Confidence are a terrific duo. The right combination of each can make a big difference to the overall image of a person, and also take them places. But we need to understand the nuances of each, and in no way overdo either. So just read on and make a choice for yourself. Try to acquire these traits, and mannerisms, and attitudes in the right proportion and you will discover a New “YOU”. Scale new heights of achievements like an eagle that soars the sky…

 

ASSERTIVENESS

Assertiveness is a way of thinking and behaving that allows a person to stand up for his or her rights while respecting the rights of others. Nonassertive people may be passive or aggressive. Passive individuals are not committed to their own rights and are more likely to allow others to infringe on their rights than to stand up and speak out. On the other hand, aggressive persons are very likely to defend their own rights and work to achieve their own goals but are also likely to disregard the rights of others. Additionally, aggressive individuals insist that their feelings and needs take precedence over other people's. They also tend to blame others for problems instead of offering solutions. It does not mean that all assertive individuals will have the above traits, but however each situation requires different degree of assertiveness. Some times assertiveness can harm as well. Hence we need to be very critical in drawing the line between Aggressiveness and Assertiveness, however not going too soft to the passive level.

Assertive attitudes and behaviors are at the heart of effective advocacy. A person with an assertive attitude recognizes that each individual has rights. These rights include not only legal rights but also rights to individuality, to have and express personal preferences, feelings and opinions. The assertive individual not only believes in his or her rights but also is committed to preserving those rights. An assertive attitude is important in recognizing that rights are being violated. The passive person is so concerned with being liked and accepted that he or she may never recognize the need to advocate. The assertive person clearly expresses his or her rights or needs. They tend to face problems promptly and they focus on solutions rather than problems. Assertiveness also derives from knowledge, education, and a high regard for others privacy at the same time also keeping ones self-esteem. It does not mean being overpowering to an extend of being despised by the other, but articulate behavior with full knowledge of the situation, to bring out the best to your advantage, with a consensus of agreement from all.

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CONFIDENCE

BOOST YOUR SELF CONFIDENCE

Did your parents tell you to walk straight or sit up straight? You may have casually dismissed it, or maybe you didn't really pay attention. As an adult, though, you realise the wisdom of the advice not so much so because you yourself have become a parent or maybe on the verge of it but because you have come to terms with the fact that the “walk straight” trait had more to it that met the eye.

Walking straight or sitting upright not only has a Physical dimension to it but more so it has more of Psychological inner link. It says a lot as to what your state of mind is. It exudes the self-confidence of the person, and imparts a sense of charisma and personality to the person.

Just let’s take the example of our own Bollywood Icon Mr. Amitabh Bacchan…looking at him at close quarters has an overpowering impact on you. The long strides, the confident talk, fluent yet soft speech. Respectful exuberance, and not to mention impeccable dressing sense that adds to the total package so to say!

Self Confidence comes from many qualities, mannerisms, etiquettes, all put together in a right proportion to give the impact that we oft experience from many who rule the Corporate world, High Profile Executives, and icons in the world. It comes from cultivation of all these habits in a systematic, proportionate and concerted effort to portray that image that we so much envy! Well you too could generate that same charisma, and Magnetism, if you discipline yourself and work on routine to bring yourself up to that standard.

Many remedial measures can be taken to spice up your overall image, and work towards that enviable status, but I will quickly only mark out the points that are most important to look into.

Grooming: -That would include all aspects of personally hygiene to carrying that well-groomed look.

The right Dress code: – Dress to kill attitude: - Dress well if not extravagantly, to carry yourself well with self-esteem.

Good posture: Good posture has an immediate and lasting impact on your confidence, and an even bigger impact on others…so walk with your head held high.

Smart Walk: - Walk with an upright yet smooth step, not necessarily a stomping walk to emphasise or announce your arrival…which in fact will have the reverse impact. Your walk should exude confidence, yet be soft and assuring…. like they say walk like a Lion, majestic and overpowering…! Your walk can say it all!

“Smile and the world smiles with you”- That’s perfectly right…keep a soft smile on your face…(not a GRIN!)…Impart that endearing look on you.

Knowledge empowerment: - This almost always boosts self-confidence. Empower yourself with knowledge of topics related to your field of work, A good grasp of your subject helps you strike up meaningful conversation and ensures that you're not left out. In this effort, I have posted various articles in my other posts, which will enhance the general and specific knowledge of all my partons. I have made every efffort to write true to my limit of understanding, however any discrepancies, if any are unintentional and sugestions and comments are welcome to improve the same...

There are innumerable ways of building up your self-confidence, but I have only enlisted only a few, good reading and actual implementation of the above will not only boost up your confidence, but also bring about a drastic change in your life.


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I have only given a brief overview of both traits, and I assure you, if you take a right mix of both, you will find yourself a different person both from the inside as well as the outside…! All the best!