Stand up for yourself in 3 confident steps 💪

Have you been told in the past "you're too nice", because you allow people to walk all over you?

Maybe it's because you're afraid or just don't know how to confront people head on?

Start the process of developing the courage to successfully leave the "easy to take advantage of" label behind you with these three helpful tips.

Everything is a learning process: any time you fall over, it's just teaching you to stand up the next time.

— Actor Joel Edgerton

Do some self-reflection and ask yourself why you've allowed people to walk all over you.

Some reasons why you may not stand up for yourself may include:

• Insecurity — you feel you aren't capable, because you lack confidence.

• Fear — you don't stick up for yourself when encountered, because you're afraid of other people's responses and the results that may follow afterwards.

• Experience — you constantly back down and let people disrespect you because you are used to it.

• Personality — you're a people pleaser and put the needs and wants of others before yourself.

Boundaries are the way human beings protect themselves. It's our security system. The security system is meant to work two ways, to protect us from others, and to protect others from us, physically and psychologically.

— Dr. Becky Whetstone, family therapist

Your mind, body, spirit, soul, and thoughts are yours, so realize this, own it, and act on it.

Here are some actions to consider when setting up boundaries:

• Respond immediately. Nip things right in the bud at the moment.

  Example: If someone tells you to shut up, tell them they're being rude and you don't appreciate them being disrespectful.

• Do some self-reflection. Tell yourself you're a good person. Appreciate and love yourself. Demand respect and give it to those who deserve it.

  Example: If you know someone is using you for money, tell them you know you're being taken advantage of. You won't continue to put up with it anymore, because you're not their personal ATM machine.

• Check your associations. Stay way from people that are negative and toxic, and surround yourself with people that value you and your time.

  Example: If someone belittles you constantly because of your weight, let them know you won't be body shamed and ridiculed at their expense. If it continues, then discontinue further interactions with that person(s).

A helpful reference to look at is this Byte on setting personal boundaries with friends.

Body language often plays a significant role in communication and can be as important as the words we say.

People will be more likely to take you seriously when you demonstrate powerful and impactful mannerisms when standing up for yourself.

Practice these mannerisms with trusted family members and friends to gain the confidence you need:

• Eye contact — make sure when you're responding to someone that you look them in the eyes. Keep your gaze steady. Wandering eyes are a no-no.

• Posture — stand up tall, with your shoulders, back, and chest up. Being hunched over with your head down defeats the purpose and doesn't display assertiveness and confidence.

• Voice delivery — speak in a clear and focused voice. Don't show signs of nervousness and intimidation, or the other person(s) will not take you seriously and will continue to feel they can mistreat or even manipulate you.

People will treat you the way you let them, so starting right now, take the initiative to take back your self-worth and integrity.