3. How does it feel?

How does it feel to be assertive? What do assertive people believe about themselves? Here is a list of “assertive rights”. Print them out (here is our printable version) if you can and remind yourself of them every day. These are not special rights just for certain people. They are your rights!

• I have the right to be treated with respect.
• I have the right to be less than perfect.
• I have the right to say what I need but I accept that I may not always get it.
• I have the right to feel and to express my feelings, opinions and values.
• I have the right to say “No” without feeling guilty.
• I have the right to change my mind without having to explain why.
• I have the right to ask for more information if I don’t understand what someone has said.
• I have the right to be listened to and taken seriously.
• I have the right to decide whether to take action or not.
• I have the right to take time to calm down and think.
• I have the right to make mistakes.
• I have the right to feel good about myself.

Next: 4. Assertiveness, passive, aggressive or manipulative?Back: 2. Making changes