Assertive Quotes

• Being assertive does not mean attacking or ignoring others feelings. It means that you are willing to hold up for yourself fairly-without attacking others.

  Albert Ellis

  Attitude, Mean, Feelings

  38 Copy quote

• At sixteen I was stupid, confused and indecisive. At twenty-five I was wise, self-confident, prepossessing and assertive. At forty-five I am stupid, confused, insecure and indecisive. Who would have supposed that maturity is only a short break in adolescence?

  Jules Feiffer

  Wise, Confused, Stupid

  "Berkshire Encyclopedia of World History, Second Edition". Book edited by William H. McNeill, Jerry Bentley and David Christian, April 30, 2010.

  17 Copy quote

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• The basic difference between being assertive and being aggressive is how our words and behavior affect the rights and well being of others.

  Sharon Anthony Bower

  Compassion, Rights, Differences

  87 Copy quote

• There's boldness in being assertive; there's strength and confidence.

  Bryan Cranston

  Being Assertive, Boldness

  4 Copy quote

• Assertiveness is not what you do, it's who you are!

  Shakti Gawain

  Confidence, Integrity, Who You Are

  60 Copy quote

• New Yorkers, by reputation, are fast-talking, assertive and easily annoyed; I fit right in.

  Jane Pauley

  Talking, Annoyed, Reputation

  Jane Pauley (2004). “Skywriting: A Life Out of the Blue”, p.22, Random House

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• Too many of us fail to fulfill our needs because we say no rather than yes, yes when we should say no.

  William Glasser

  Needs, Failing, Should

  William Glasser, M.D. (2010). “Reality Therapy: A New Approach to Psychiatry”, p.18, Harper Collins

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• Being assertive and somewhat really firm has to be backed up with being fair.

  Gordon Ramsay

  Firm, Being Assertive, Fairs

  Source: articles.chicagotribune.com

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• A bully hides his fears with fake bravado. That is the opposite of self-assertiveness.

  Nathaniel Branden

  Self, Opposites, Fake

  26 Copy quote

• The Canadian spirit is cautious, observant and critical where the American is assertive.

  V. S. Pritchett

  Spirit, Cautious, Critical

  9 Copy quote

• The best defense against usurpatory government is an assertive citizenry.

  William F. Buckley, Jr.

  Freedom, Government, Democracy

  "WindFall: The End of the Affair". Book by William F. Buckley Jr., 1992.

  129 Copy quote

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• There is a fine line between assertiveness and being relaxed.

  Justin Guarini

  Lines, Fine, Relaxed

  52 Copy quote

• Nobody can give you freedom. Nobody can give you equality or justice or anything. If you're a man, you take it.

  Malcolm X

  Motivational, Freedom, Patriotic

  "Malcolm X Speaks: Selected Speeches and Statements". Book edited by George Breitman, p. 111, 1965.

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• Women are a little more assertive in terms of our ability to express our feelings when we fall in love.

  Alicia Machado

  Falling In Love, Feelings, Littles

  8 Copy quote

• If you are going to have to play defense all the time, you cannot have the kind of ingenuity, assertiveness, independence, and intelligence which is what has made our country strong.

  Arlen Specter

  Country, Strong, Play

  41 Copy quote

• It is naive to think that self-assertiveness is easy. To live self-assertively--which means to live authentically--is an act of high courage. That is why so many people spend the better part of their lives in hiding--from others and also from themselves.

  Nathaniel Branden

  Mean, Thinking, Self

  Nathaniel Branden (1998). “Nathaniel Brandens Self-Esteem Every Day: Reflections on Self-Esteem and Spirituality”, p.202, Simon and Schuster

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• Learn to be difficult when it counts. In school as in life, having a reputation for being assertive will help you receive preferential treatment without having to beg or fight for it every time.

  Tim Ferriss

  Inspirational, School, Fighting

  19 Copy quote

• Let your desire for truth transcend all minor considerations. Ignorance is invariably confident. The man of knowledge learns to realize his own needs. Be honest and severe in your self-appraisal. Learn the art of learning, and you are well on the way to achievement. True greatness is reflective, not assertive.

  Grenville Kleiser

  Art, Truth, Ignorance

  Grenville Kleiser (1917). “Inspiration and Ideals: Thoughts for Every Day”

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• If you feel inadequate to face challenges, unworthy of love or respect, untitled to happiness, and fear assertive thought, wants, or needs- if you lack basic self trust, self-respect, and self-confidence- your self-esteem deficiency will limit you, no matter what other assets you possess.

  Nathaniel Branden

  Self Esteem, Self Confidence, Self Respect

  9 Copy quote

• Let's build bridges, not walls.

  Martin Luther King, Jr.

  Wall, Bridges, Assertiveness

  393 Copy quote

• The practice of assertiveness: being authentic in our dealings with others; treating our values and persons with decent respect in social contexts; refusing to fake the reality of who we are or what we esteem in order to avoid disapproval; the willingness to stand up for ourselves and our ideas in appropriate ways in appropriate contexts.

  Nathaniel Branden

  Reality, Order, Practice

  Nathaniel Branden (1999). “The Art of Living Consciously: The Power of Awareness to Transform Everyday Life”, p.169, Simon and Schuster

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• Being assertive in the home does not produce any smiling faces, but it does bring out a few tongues.

  Wes Fesler

  Home, Doe, Tongue

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• Mother Nature's ruthless to the weak, but isn't arbitrary cruel or negative. Mother Nature saves aggression for extreme situations, and instead uses consistent leadership--to help keep things running smoothly. Mother nature doesn't rule by fear and anger, but by calm strength and assertiveness.

  Cesar Millan

  Mother, Running, Negative

  49 Copy quote

• Assertiveness is most effective when least applied.

  Wes Fesler

  Assertiveness

  46 Copy quote

• Choose to be pro-active, assertive and self-defining.

  Bryant H. McGill

  Self, Defining, Active

  4 Copy quote