Why Being Assertive & Advocating for Yourself Matters

In this article

• What is Assertiveness?
• How to Practice Being More Assertive
• What is Self-Advocacy?
• How to Practice Self-Advocacy

As you transition into adulthood, learning to stand up for yourself and your needs becomes essential. In college and at work, you may face situations where no one else will step in for you. Navigating these situations requires self-advocacy and assertiveness, two essential life skills. In this article, we share why being assertive and advocating for yourself matters in work, school, and life!

What is Assertiveness? 

When someone is assertive, they are expressing themselves in an honest, respectful, and confident way. This could mean setting boundaries, saying no, or asking for what they need in all types of situations. Practicing being assertive when needed can boost your confidence and help you manage stress at work, school, and in life. 

How to Practice Being More Assertive

Here are some strategies to help you practice your assertiveness:

• Pay attention to what you think, feel, and want. You need to be aware of these things before you can communicate them to others!
• Notice if you say “I don’t know,” “I don’t care,” or “it doesn’t matter” when someone asks what you want. Stop yourself. Instead, practice saying what you prefer, especially on things that don’t matter as much, like picking a place to eat or study at.
• Practice asking for things. This can be big and small things, like asking a friend to reschedule your plans if you need some alone time or asking for a day off from work if you’re not feeling well.
• Give your opinion. For example, tell someone whether or not you liked a movie you saw and why.
• Practice using “I” statements such as: “I’d like…” “I prefer…” or “I feel…”
• Respectfully correct someone. For example, if your barista makes you the wrong drink, try kindly and respectfully calling out the error and asking for what you actually ordered. 

What is Self-Advocacy? 

Self-advocacy and assertiveness go hand in hand. While assertiveness is a communication skill, self-advocacy is about expressing your needs and standing up for yourself when necessary. It’s not about being pushy, but having the confidence to ask for what you need in a respectful way. It can feel uncomfortable to advocate for yourself at first, but it’s a necessary part of building confidence and taking control of your future. 

How to Practice Self-Advocacy

When decisions are being made that directly affect you, it’s your right to speak up! We totally get that this can feel embarrassing and vulnerable for some people. It’s not always easy to speak up for yourself, especially if there’s a chance that it could start conflict or potentially hurt someone’s feelings. However, it’s important that we say it again: advocating for yourself and asking for what you need are essential life skills. There will be many situations throughout your life that test you and push your limits. It’s in these situations where knowing how to talk about what feels uncomfortable and what you need will make all the difference. You’re worth the effort! 

With this in mind, here are some practical ways you can start advocating for yourself:

Academic Challenges

If you’re struggling with a grade you received and need some extra academic support, take action! If you’re in college, visit your professor’s office hours to ask questions about things you don’t understand or make an appointment with a tutor in the learning center to study for an upcoming exam. Your academic success is in your hands!

Accommodations at Work and School

If you have unique learning needs or face academic challenges due to a disability, don’t hesitate to request accommodations. If you have a disability, you are legally entitled to reasonable academic accommodations in college, but you must start the process to receive them. Whether you need extra time to take exams or access to an assisted listening device, requesting accommodations is a form of advocating for yourself that ensures you have an even playing field to succeed academically.

You have legal rights and protections as an employee at work, too. If you need reasonable accommodations at your job, be sure to ask for them. Again: you must start the process to receive them. You deserve to have your needs met to succeed at the job! 

Financial Aid

Looking for financial aid to pay for college is a form of self-advocacy! Taking the time to complete a change in circumstances form if you don’t receive enough aid from your school or working with your financial aid office to set a tuition payment plan are forms of taking action in your best interest. Being your own advocate when it comes to your education and finances is essential!

Mental and Emotional

Navigating challenges with support is a sign of strength, not weakness! Your mental well-being affects every other part of your life, so take the initiative to find mental health support and practice self-care when you need it. When you’re happy and healthy, it makes other parts of life easier and more manageable! 

Do you have any questions? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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