To be passive is to let others decide for you. To be aggressive is to decide for others. To be assertive is to decide for yourself. And to trust that there is enough, that you are enough. Edith Eva Eger
You can learn how to stand up for yourself and your own needs and desires, without infringing on the rights of others! Who does not want to have this skill? Allow us to lead you to self-confidence and making the best decisions for yourself.
The skill of self-assertiveness is the ability to confidently and respectfully express one’s needs, desires, opinions, ideas, concerns, and boundaries without infringing upon the rights and feelings of others. It involves standing up for oneself, communicating effectively, and advocating for your personal interests and values, while maintaining a strong sense of self-respect and consideration for others. Self-assertiveness empowers individuals to assert their rights, without resorting to aggressive or passive behaviour, creating healthier relationships, and enhancing self-confidence in various social and professional situations. The self-assertive skill empowers individuals to take ownership of their lives. To be assertive means to have self-confidence about what you want and to be able to communicate effectively about it. However, it does not mean that you will always get your own way or be able to convince the other person. You should be able to compromise. For example, you can ask if you can postpone a task you are given until the next day, as you already have an appointment.
We are two facilitators for this course, Drs Ronél le Roux and Rina de Klerk-Weyer, who both have a Ph.D. We did therapy in our private practices before we realised that it is very important to work pro-actively. Working in this way means that we teach and guide people in learning important life skills that they will be able to use in their personal and professional lives. People who have these skills can apply it before and while they experience problems in their lives.
We are passionate to share our wisdom and years of experience with you.
During this course, we will guide students to
* Become aware of what assertiveness really is
* Realize that assertive is much more than just the ability to say "no"
* Know that they may stand up for themselves without feeling guilty
* Getting to know themselves and become aware of issues of confidence and personality
* Define their healthy boundaries
* Recognise the beliefs and thoughts which may hinder their assertiveness
* Learn how to have emotional control while being assertive
* Distinguish between being passive, aggressive or assertive
* Learn the process of assertiveness that is easy to apply.
Being assertive can have numerous benefits in both personal and professional life. Here are some of the most important advantages:
Effective Communication: Assertiveness helps individuals express their thoughts, opinions, and needs clearly and directly. It enables effective communication with others, reducing misunderstandings and promoting better understanding.
Increased Self-Confidence: Assertive individuals have a strong sense of self-worth and confidence in their abilities. They believe in themselves and their ideas, which enhances their self-esteem and allows them to take on challenges with a positive attitude.
Improved Relationships: Assertiveness fosters healthier relationships by promoting honesty, openness, and respect. It allows individuals to set boundaries, express their feelings, and address conflicts constructively, leading to more meaningful and satisfying connections with others.
Better Decision-Making: When individuals are assertive, they feel empowered to voice their opinions and actively participate in decision-making processes. This involvement enables them to contribute their insights and ideas, leading to better-informed decisions and outcomes.
Reduced Stress and Resentment: By expressing their needs and concerns assertively, individuals avoid suppressing emotions or resorting to passive-aggressive behaviour. This reduces internal stress and prevents the build-up of resentment, fostering healthier emotional well-being.
Career Advancement: Assertive individuals are more likely to be recognized for their skills and contributions in professional settings. They are proactive in pursuing opportunities, negotiating for better outcomes, and expressing their ambitions, which can lead to career advancement and increased job satisfaction.
Conflict Resolution: Assertiveness equips individuals with the skills to handle conflicts effectively. They can express their viewpoints without aggression or submission, actively listen to others, and work towards mutually agreeable solutions. This leads to healthier conflict resolution and the strengthening of relationships.
Personal Empowerment: Being assertive empowers individuals to take control of their lives and make choices that align with their values and goals. It helps them overcome passivity and become proactive agents of change, enabling personal growth and fulfilment.
Self-assertiveness empowers individuals to express themselves authentically, navigate challenges, and lead a more fulfilling life.
We are available to students who have questions and want to discuss some of their personal issues regarding this communication skill.
Give yourself the opportunity to learn this very important skill that will definitely last you a life time!!!