Are you feeling a little timid and unsure of yourself? Do you sometimes feel like no one really cares about what you have to say or complains when you speak your mind? If so, it’s time for a change. Read on as we share 30 affirmations for assertiveness with you. These affirmations will help boost your confidence and improve the way that other people perceive you.
30 Affirmations for Assertiveness
1. I am in control of my own life.
2. No one can make me do anything I don’t want to do. I am in charge of my own destiny.
3. I use my energy in a positive way.
4. I know what I want, and I go out and get it.
5. My voice matters and I’m going to share it.
6. The best way to get what I want is by asking for it.
7. I trust that the world is a good place and that I am safe in it.
8. My favorite word is “no.” I set boundaries with ease.
9. I release the need to please everyone around me.
10. My needs are important, and it’s okay for others to consider them too.
11. I am worthy of love just as much as anyone else on this planet.
12. It’s safe for me to be who I am.
13. My feelings are valid and important to me, so they’re okay to have.
14. I don’t need anyone’s approval in order to feel good about myself.
15. When others disagree with my perspective, I still respect my own point of view.
16. I speak loudly, clearly, and positively when I give my opinion.
17. I don’t take on guilt for sharing my truth.
18. My voice is pretty darn awesome, and so am I.
19. No one has the ability to hurt me without my consent.
20. It doesn’t matter what other people think of me as long as I love myself.
21. I am my own best friend, and I have a fantastic life that’s all mine.
22. I am perfect just the way I am right now.
23. I follow through on what I say because I am a person of integrity.
24. I know what I want, and I go for it without apology.
25. I am powerful and in control of my own life.
26. It’s a delight to express myself authentically, and others appreciate it too.
27. I am a force to be reckoned with, and I’m not afraid to show it.
28. When I need time alone, I take it without guilt or regret.
29. I have a gift for communication and I use it often.
30. My voice is heard, my presence is felt, and I make a difference in this world.
What Are 5 Assertive Behaviors I Can Practice?
The above affirmations are a great way to start conditioning your heart, soul, body, and mind to be more assertive. But what does that actually look like in the real world?
Check out our list of five assertive behaviors below. Practice these behaviors to enhance the power of your affirmations:
1. Speak Up for Yourself
Standing up for your beliefs and opinions, whether they are popular or not, is a key component of assertiveness. This can be difficult at first, but it becomes easier over time the more you do it.
One great way to practice this behavior and make it a habit is by journaling. Write down your thoughts and feelings, even if they are controversial. This will help you get into the habit of sharing your perspective honestly and openly.
Next, practice speaking to yourself in the mirror. This may be cringe-worthy at the beginning, but is a great way to get comfortable with your voice. You’ll also be able to observe your facial expressions and body language while watching yourself in the mirror.
You may be surprised by what you look like in the mirror and may have a few ideas about how to adjust your body language to be more assertive.
2. Express Your Feelings Openly
Don’t bottle up your emotions. This will only lead to resentment and frustration.
Expressing your feelings openly, even if they are uncomfortable, is a key component of assertiveness. Not only will this make you feel better in the moment, but it will also help strengthen your relationships with others.
If you’re not used to expressing your feelings, start off by writing them down in a journal. This will help you get in touch with what you’re feeling and why.
Then, try talking to a close friend or family member about how you’re feeling. They may be able to offer some valuable insight and support.
Finally, practice speaking up for yourself in conversations. Share your thoughts and feelings honestly and openly, even if there’s a chance you may be met with disagreement.
Don’t apologize for your feelings and don’t make excuses to push them away. Just let the words flow out of your mouth, and allow yourself to feel what you need to feel without judgment or criticism from others.
Keep in mind that this is not about getting something from someone else. This is about having the courage to be authentic and vulnerable with others.
3. Let Go of Guilt and Shame
This ties in with the previous behavior. If you want to be more assertive, start by facing your feelings of guilt and shame head-on rather than ignoring them or stifling them.
These feelings usually come up when there is another voice in your head that is limiting you from moving forward with your personal truth. This voice may have been internalized by a stern teacher, a parent, or another authority figure in your life.
Whatever the case may be, now is the time to confront it head-on and let go of all those feelings that are holding you back from being yourself. Remember that the voice in your head isn’t yours, and you can compassionately thank it for protecting you and release it.
When you do this, you will free up space for new thoughts and emotions to enter into your mind, like confidence! This can open up a whole new world of possibilities for you.
4. Take Your Space When You Need It
It’s okay to need time alone every now and then! Don’t feel guilty for taking some “me” time.
Doing things that make you feel good, like exercising or watching your favorite movie, is a great way to take care of yourself.
You deserve it! After all, no one else in the world can create and maintain this space for you but you. So don’t let anyone tell you how much time to spend with others or how much time to spend alone.
Instead, follow your instincts and be yourself. As they say, the only person you have to “impress” is yourself and a select few others who truly matter.
5. Set Boundaries
This is another key behavior for assertiveness. When you set boundaries, it shows that you are in control of yourself and your life. You don’t let others step all over you. Practice setting boundaries by doing things like saying “no” when you don’t have time for something or need to prioritize your own needs.
If someone else is being rude, disrespectful, or inconsiderate of you and your actions, set a boundary by calmly communicating what they are doing that makes you uncomfortable.
Bonus: Use “I” Statements
Using “I” statements is a great way to communicate your thoughts and feelings without coming off as aggressive or confrontational.
For example, instead of saying “you’re being selfish,” you could say something like “I feel hurt by what you just said because I was trying to be there for you.” This is a more assertive and less accusatory way of getting your point across.
Remember, don’t make it about the other person. This is about how you’re feeling and what you need.
Final Thoughts
These tips and affirmations will help get you started on your journey to becoming more assertive.
Don’t forget, the first step to becoming assertive is always awareness! This behavior can be difficult for anyone, so don’t stress if you’re not an expert at this right away. It takes time and practice but it’s worth every minute of effort that you put into growing that muscle. Stay strong and be yourself!