Being Assertive can make you happy!

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A study by american psychologists claims that simply behaving in a bold manner can make you happy. Their research supports the idea that any extrovert behaviour has a positive impact on your mood. This research is documented in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.

You can develop your assertiveness skills  on our public assertiveness training courses in Brighton, Sussex.

“I don’t think it’s the only way to find happiness, but I do think it’s a neglected way,” said Associate Professor Will Fleeson, a psychologist at Wake Forest University led the study claims that although it is not the only answer to finding happiness it is a much neglected way of achieving a good self image and a positive feeling, saying “People too often look outside themselves for things to make them happy.”

There were 50 students involved in the study. They recorded answers to set questions on palmtops for up to 10 weeks, recording their moods and activities. Bold or outgoing activities such as singing aloud, freestyle dancing, and plucking up the courage to approach someone they found attractive boosted the mood of the student for some time after the event or action.

Professor Fleeson remarked that: “Every single student in the study was happier when he or she acted extroverted than when he or she acted introverted…Even introverts can act extroverted and become happier by changing their behaviour.”

So whether you are alone or in company making a concious effort to be more extrovert, singing in the car or shower, dancing to some music or approaching others to initiate conversation can make you feel happy. Activities such as climbing mountains or going for a brisk walk can have a positive effect. Practice being more talkative or more assertive, voice your opinion or ask more a questions.

Fleeson promotes the idea that your happiness is ultimately in your own hands, it comes from the inside not from the outside. It’s up to you to choose to become more outgoing, even if you are reserved and shy by nature you can work on this little by little by choosing to practice some of the things mentioned above. Be a little more assertive, adventurous, outgoing etc – you have the power to be happy.

A range of techniques for improving your assertiveness are covered on our 2-day Assertiveness & Confidence Building training course

Related posts:

1. About Assertiveness
2. Why be Assertive?
3. How to be Assertive?
4. When to be Assertive?
5. Tips for Being More Assertive

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Related posts:

1. About Assertiveness
2. Why be Assertive?
3. How to be Assertive?
4. When to be Assertive?
5. Tips for Being More Assertive

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Assertiveness Training, assertiveness training sussex, confidence, Confidence Building Training, finding happiness, Free Resource, Happiness through assertiveness, passive, sussex

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