Anxiety can be caused by not asserting ourselves. Many of us are “nice” and as a result more timid than we would like to be. We give in to others’ wishes over our own and then later kick ourselves for not standing up and asserting our ideas, wishes, needs, etc. Over time anxiety and regret can take hold and this is not an optimal way to live.

Some of us may be more extroverted than others. That does not mean that we all don’t have a voice. What are some ways we can exercise and strengthen our “assertiveness muscle?”.

This morning I am going to encourage you to think about how you will assert yourself more in your daily life.

Today I have already set an intention to stand up for myself.

In my journal, I have jotted down a few ideas, such as:

1. Ask for help and support at work.

2. Express my opinions more verbally.

3. Promote myself and what I have to offer more

4. Don’t put up with bad behavior from others.

5. Believe in myself and know that the world needs to hear me.

6. I am living from a space of integrity and authenticity. What others’ think does not matter.

7. Do not ask for opinions or permission from others- simply take action.

8. Be a squeaky wheel if I need to be.

I will stop here. Your turn! In your journals, write down any ways that being timid and not taking action for yourself has affected your life. Note some ideas for you to assert yourself more.

Positive affirmations help as well. You can write things like:

I AM strong.

I AM confident.

I AM important.

The World needs to hear me.

What others think does not matter or is none of my concern.

I AM creating the life I want to live beginning now by taking action and asserting myself.

Have a blessed day,

Debra

Related Posts:

• I Am sure of myself! A journal writing exercise.
• Perfectionism is overrated: Getting over people pleasing.
• Three affirmations to keep you balanced and less anxious
• Cancelling negative thought patterns that cause anxiety, sleeplessness, and self-doubt: a journal writing exercise.
• Doubting yourself in a high pressure world?