DEVELOP SELF-RESPECT IN FOUR STEPS
It’s likely that you are a helpful person by nature, and sometimes you allow people to take advantage of you because you’re nice and standing up for yourself can feel uncomfortable. When you stop this pattern and develop boundaries, you learn to value yourself and your time. Boundaries are beyond important in the development of self-respect. Here are four steps to develop a strong sense of self-worth and confidence.
STEP 1: REFLECT ON THE FEELING.
Think of a time that you were treated unfairly. What did that feel like? Perhaps it was your friend cancelling on you at the last minute, the waiter bringing you the wrong food, or your mother calling and keeping you on the phone for an hour. Think about how this situation made you feel physically and emotionally. Did you want to fix it, but you just didn’t know what to say or were you afraid to say something in order to get what you deserved? Think about the feelings and thoughts that come up when you recognize someone is taking advantage of your time or kindness. This feeling is important, it will allow you to use a skill to change the outcome next time.
STEP 2: ASSESS YOUR VALUES AND YOUR BOUNDARIES.
What’s important to you? Is it your free time, workouts, Netflix binges on the weekend? As a therapist, I have people emailing me at all hours of the day and calls that “need to be answered” at all hours of the night, but I can’t be available 24/7. That’s not fair to me and it isn’t fair to my clients. If I’m annoyed or frustrated, how am I going to be serving them? Instead, I decided to set hours, and let my clients know what these were. This helped me spend my time with family and friends
STEP 3: SPEAK UP FOR THE SMALL STUFF (KINDLY).
Pay attention to the details. Did your cab driver keep the meter running or your friend keep you waiting for an hour? Notice the small things that take advantage of your time, kindness, or your money. If I wouldn’t have been paying attention, the checkout girl would have unknowingly taken advantage of me, and I would have been upset with myself and her if I noticed it later on. Be aware of your interactions and if people begin to make you feel like you are being taken advantage of, then you can act.
STEP 4: SPEAK UP FOR YOURSELF.
It may just be a question to confirm that your needs are being met, but their answer will also give you insight into what else you need to feel better or allow you to get what you want. Be nice and polite when you are asking for what you want to be fixed or inquiring about it. Here are some examples:
• The price said ___ when I picked it up, I thought the price was lower; could you double check for me?
• I have other plans that I can’t change, I appreciate you thinking of me, unfortunately I won’t be able to help this time.
• I’d love to chat, and I only have a few minutes.
In order to develop self-respect, you have to act on it. You show others how you want to be treated by your actions and words. Show them that you are valuable by speaking up and setting strong boundaries.
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