Assertiveness is the ability to formulate and communicate one’s own thoughts, opinions and wishes in a clear, direct, and non-aggressive way. It is the ability to express oneself and one’s rights without violating the rights of others. The ability to be assertive is an asset which is necessary to achieve worthwhile aims and impose some order and justice in one’s environment. Assertiveness does not equate to being selfish as one pays attention to not only his/her own rights but also is sensitive to the rights of others.

It would be good to understand here the difference between assertive behavior and other types of behavior. Aggressiveness means that one expresses one’s own rights but at the expense of degrading, or humiliating another individual whereas submissiveness means that one is just unable to express one’s rights and keeps compromising the self, leaving one with feelings of humiliation, guilt and dissatisfaction.

Thus the types of responses that one can give in a situation are different. Let us take a look at the types of responses and what they would mean:Assertiveness

Submissiveness: I lose-You win
Aggressiveness: I win-You lose
Assertiveness: I win-You win

Thus one would understand that ‘When you communicate assertively, you are more likely to achieve your goal without becoming involved in a conflict with the other person which then leads one to the I win-You win position’.

But are there any reasons that are keeping you from being assertive? Let us explore some which may be the impediments that may not be allowing you to assert yourself:


Fear of change.
Refusal to admit one’s submissiveness.
Fear of ruining relationships if you speak your mind.
Lack confidence in your ability.

Dealing with the following before you embark on the journey towards transformation is important:


Deal with the anxiety associated with change.
Reconcile the conflicts within your value system.
Assess the repercussions of being assertive.
Prepare others for the changes they will see in your behavior or attitude.

Developmental measures on a way to Assertiveness…

What you could do to become assertive:


Use “I” messages
Choose assertive words carefully
Check-up
Action plan

Benefits fo Assertiveness:

Embark on this journey towards assertiveness; motivate yourself towards being assertive as the benefits are immense:


Better management of relationships
More balanced lifestyle
Improvement in productivity and effectiveness as a worker
More in control of one’s daily schedules and plans
Reduced stress.

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts."

— Winston Churchill

Success is not the ultimate goal; it's a milestone.
Failure is not the end; it's a stepping stone.
Courage is the spark that ignites resilience.

Embracing this mindset helps you:

Learn from mistakes and grow.
Stay motivated despite obstacles.
Find strength in vulnerability.
Build unshakeable confidence.

Take one step forward, no matter how small.
Stand up after every fall.
Believe in yourself, even when no one else does.

*MOTIVATIONAL FRIDAY!*

"Believe you can and you're halfway there."

— Theodore Roosevelt

Starting your week with a positive mindset is crucial! Theodore Roosevelt's timeless words remind us that having faith in ourselves is the foundation of achieving greatness.

When you truly believe in your abilities, you unlock:

Unstoppable confidence
Resilience in the face of challenges
A growth mindset that embraces learning
Innovative thinking and creativity
Unwavering determination

So, take a deep breath and remind yourself:

You are capable.
You are strong.
You are worthy.

#MotivationMonday #BelieveInYourself #TheodoreRoosevelt #Inspiration #SelfBelief #Confidence #Resilience #GrowthMinds

He who closes his ears to the views of others shows little confidence in the integrity of his own views

Nigeria Super Eagles had their first training.
Captain Williams Troost Ekong who encourage the team to have confidence as they approach any match, he said " every match we approach is like a cup final let's put in our best and expect victory at last".

Best of luck Eagle's.

Why do you fail in the days of spiritual battle?

"The sons of Ephraim were archers equipped with bows, Yet they turned back in the day of battle."

Psalms 78:9 NASB1995

You can be equipped with the bows of natural strength, intelligence, intellectual sagacity, theological erudition, oratorical prowess, material prosperity, fame and prominence with men, yet turn back in the day of spiritual battle. Why? Because you fail to put your confidence in God:

"For by their own sword they did not possess the land, And their own arm did not save them, But Your right hand and Your arm and the light of Your presence, For You favored them."

Psalms 44:3 NASB1995

"The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue."

Psalm 33:16‭-‬17 ESV

Moreover, you fail to know and appropriate this in your life by relying on the exclusivity of God's power:

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth , and having put on the breastplate of righteousness , and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace ; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation , and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints."

Ephesians 6:10‭-‬18 NASB1995

Smile when you shake hands. (ensures confidence and trustworthiness)

*THE POWER IF WALKING: A SIMPLE YET EFFECTIVE ROUTINE

Walking is one of the simplest and most accessible forms of exercise, requiring minimal equipment or training. Despite its simplicity, walking offers numerous physical and mental health benefits, making it an ideal fitness routine for people of all ages.

*Physical Health Benefits*

1. *Weight Management*: Walking helps burn calories, maintain weight, and reduce body fat.
2. *Cardiovascular Health*: Regular walking lowers blood pressure, improves circulation, and reduces the risk of heart disease.
3. *Increased Strength*: Walking strengthens muscles in the legs, hips, and lower back.
4. *Improved Bone Density*: Weight-bearing exercise like walking reduces the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
5. *Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases*: Walking has been shown to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and stroke.

*Mental Health Benefits*

1. *Stress Relief*: Walking releases endorphins, natural mood-boosters that reduce stress and anxiety.
2. *Improved Mood*: Regular walking enhances self-esteem, confidence, and overall mental well-being.
3. *Enhanced Cognitive Function*: Walking improves focus, concentration, and memory.
4. *Better Sleep*: Regular physical activity like walking promotes deeper, more restful sleep.

*Tips for an Effective Walking Routine*

1. *Aim for 30 Minutes*: Walk at least 30 minutes per session, five days a week.
2. *Incorporate Intervals*: Alternate between brisk and leisurely pace to boost calorie burn and improve cardiovascular health.
3. *Mix Up Your Route*: Vary your walking route to avoid boredom and keep your mind engaged.
4. *Find a Walking Buddy*: Walking with a partner or group enhances motivation and accountability.
5. *Track Progress*: Use a pedometer, fitness tracker, or mobile app to monitor your progress.

*Conclusion*

Walking is a low-impact, adaptable, and effective fitness routine that offers numerous physical and mental health benefits. By incorporating walking into your daily routine, you can improve overall health, increase energy levels, and enhance your quality of life.

What I’ve realized is that confidence is a daily journey. We always think that confidence is a destination we must get to, but it’s a choice we make. I don’t think it’s something we ever really get to and stay at. And I think once you know that, it takes the pressure off.

Everyone has a different definition of success and what it means to them. Some seek wealth, others seek a loving relationship and for a few people, success is about leaving a legacy and making an impact on the world. Whether the impression that we leave on the world is large or small, everything positive that we help others experience is of equal value.

For those individuals who really want to dedicate themselves to helping others or making a difference, the following methods can be used to achieve these goals. Hopefully, they will inspire or help you to leave your own impactful legacy.

1. Consider an Altruistic Profession
One of the most common ways for people to make a difference is by adopting a profession that allows them to help others or change the world. There are a host of different jobs out there that allow you to do this, covering all manner of different skill sets and proficiencies so that no matter what you’re interested in, there is probably an altruistic job for you.

The most common choices in this category are healthcare and public service jobs. Doctors, nurses and social carers all dedicate their lives to helping others when they are at their most vulnerable which no doubt makes a difference. Similarly, firemen save lives every day and teachers live their lives educating the next generation to help further humanity. Even beyond these choices, engineers and scientists continually develop ways of generating energy without damaging the planet, whilst politicians aim to introduce policies that help millions to live easier, more comfortable lives. All of these positions all individuals to leave a lasting impact on the world and on the people around them.

2. Complete a Daily Random Act of Kindness
For those that won’t be able to change career comfortably or don’t feel that they have the aptitude for the role that they dream of doing, there are still other ways you can help others. Random acts of kindness are by far the easiest way to bring a little bit of warmth and happiness into the lives of others and, if you spent your whole life doing this, there’s no doubt that you will help tens of thousands of people.

Random acts of kindness can vary greatly depending on the situation. They can be simple behaviors like helping an old lady cross the road or carrying some shopping for someone, as well as kind words like telling a stranger that you like their outfit to boost their confidence. Often, random acts of kindness, whilst seemingly small, can have some of the biggest impacts when delivered to the right people.

3. Charitable Giving
Finally, we have doing our bit and giving to charity. If your financial situation allows it, regularly giving to charity can really add meaning to your own life whilst helping or saving countless others. In Islam, they call this Sadaqah Jariyah, the idea of giving continuous charity to support those most vulnerable throughout your life. By taking time and resources out of your own life to help others, it can bring a positive element to everything you do, helping boost your mood on a day-to-day basis.

Additionally, charitable giving allows you to support whatever cause you are truly passionate about. There are charities out there helping almost every type of person from almost every type of background and in almost every location, assisting you in making a difference where you really want to.

Whilst these three techniques are not the only ways for an individual to bring meaning or impact on their life, they are some of the most common and effective.

Hopefully, this has inspired you to find your own way to help others throughout your life.