To be more persistent, it helps to recognize failure as a positive thing. So if you've tried to be assertive and it didn't go well, don't panic. Reflect and think logically about the situation... It's happened. Something went wrong. You can't change it or make it better. All you can do is move on. But don't do that until you've learnt what you can from the experience.

Love your mistakes

Self-doubt can cause you to overthink or over-analyze things. Try to catch yourself if you start doing this. For example, if you find yourself thinking... "what will people think if I ....", stop yourself by complimenting an aspect of your personality. There's always something good about what you're doing or saying. You just need the self-discipline to look for it and acknowledge it, and then speak up assertively.

Don't over-analyze

Don't make the assumption that other people's rights prevail above yours. Particularly people who are senior to you. Seniority does not mean that they are 'superior' to you in the sense that their rights and needs are more important. Be respectful of senior people, but try to avoid comparing yourself to them. It's a false economy. You have your strengths, they have theirs. You have your weaknesses, they have theirs too. No one is perfect.

You're not inferior

Use the lessons to make sure it doesn't happen again. Then have another go at being assertive in a similar situation. It's the only way of proving to yourself that you can succeed at it. This is what assertive people do to remain confident and assertive. You should too.

Become Persistent