Selfassertiveness empowers us to express our thoughts and feelings authentically from "summary" of Six Pillars of Self-Esteem by Nathaniel Branden
Self-assertiveness is a concept that plays a central role in the development of self-esteem. It is the ability to stand up for oneself, to speak up, to state one’s thoughts and feelings confidently, to ask for what one wants, to say no when necessary, to express disagreement, to take a stand on important issues. It is the ability to act in one’s long-term self-interest, to take responsibility for one’s choices and actions, to set appropriate boundaries in relationships, to protect one’s rights and interests.
Self-assertiveness is essential because when we are unable to express our thoughts and feelings authentically, when we are unable to ask for what we want or need, when we are unable to say no when necessary, we undermine our self-esteem. We send a message to ourselves that our thoughts and feelings are not important, that our wants and needs do not matter, that we are not deserving of respect. This erodes our self-respect and self-confidence, it diminishes our sense of personal worth and value, it weakens our ability to create the kind of life we want.
Self-assertiveness empowers us to express ourselves authentically because it enables us to be true to ourselves, to be honest with ourselves, to live in harmony with our values and beliefs. It allows us to speak and act from a place of inner conviction, to be congruent in our words and actions, to be integrated as a person. It gives us the strength and courage to be ourselves in the world, to stand up for what we believe in, to pursue our goals and dreams with passion and determination.
Self-assertiveness is not about being aggressive or confrontational, it is about being assertive, about asserting oneself in a way that is respectful of others while also being respectful of oneself. It is about finding a balance between our own needs and the needs of others, between our own rights and the rights of others. It is about asserting our autonomy and independence while also recognizing our interdependence and connection with others. It is about being assertive in a way that is assertive in a way that is assertive in a way that is assertive in a way that is assertive in a way that is assertive in a way that is assertive in a way that is assertive in a way that is assertive in a way that is assertive in a way that is assertive in a way that is assertive in a way that is assert
