There are many of us out there that often let others walk over us. We tend to blend into the crowd, keep our opinions to ourselves and avoid confrontation. However, that’s not the right way to live. We are responsible for our lives, and standing up for what we believe in is important.
Learning any new habit can take time, but by following these tips, you can start the process. Below we are going to talk about how you can learn to speak up for yourself.
Let’s get started!
Establish why you are upset
The very first step in learning to speak up for yourself is to establish why you are upset in the first place. This will help you figure out why it’s so vital for you to face the issue. It can be a bit tricky at first (especially if you are used to bottling things up), but you can create your own moral code by acknowledging your feelings.
Another wise idea is to learn more about your personality by taking an MBTI test. For example, these INFP weaknesses outline potential development areas so that you understand more about yourself.
Identify what will happen if you remain silent
Once you’ve figured out what’s frustrating you, you then need to think about the different outcomes. If you choose to remain silent, what will happen? Are you going to regret not sticking up for yourself? Or is the situation so minor it doesn’t really matter? Asking yourself these questions will help you clarify the situation and prepare you for the discussion. Remember, you always have a right to be heard.
Learn to respect your emotions
While there are some instances where staying quiet and not reacting impulsively is wise, in order to respect yourself, you need to start with your own emotions. Think about why you are feeling this way and why you want to make a change. Only then will you be able to speak up for yourself and communicate your opinion.
Start things off slowly
Once you decide to make a change, you can’t expect it to happen immediately. Start things slowly until you feel more confident in communicating. It could be as simple as offering your opinion on a project. The more you practice, the easier it will become. It will also start encouraging others to listen and respect you.
Make yourself heard
Believe it or not, the way you talk can make a big difference in communicating, so practice conveying your feelings and emotions in a way that will make yourself heard. You may even wish to take some inspiration from other well-known celebrities that often share their opinions. Nelson Mandela, Rosa Parks, Jimmy Carter, and Martin Luther King Jr are just a few to look into.
Consider seeking support
Lastly, if you are really struggling with speaking up for yourself, to the point that it is greatly affecting your life, it may be time to seek support. There are so many wonderful people and resources out there that can help you grow your confidence and take control of your life.
You’ve got this!