Be your own Hero

Women were always taught by our society to be who others need us to be. Women were always taught to take care of everybody in the family and to make sure everybody's demands are met before they think about themselves. These traditional stereotypes have become rooted in our personalities and we may actually believe they are true. It is believed that gender stereotypes hold women back because women question their own abilities!! Women are hesitant to come forward and stand up for themselves, often even when they have the potential to achieve their dreams, just due to a lack of confidence. Certainly, women need to work on their self-confidence, self-worth, and self-belief. It is time for all women to understand that the best advocate for them is themselves.

Inhale confidence, exhale doubt.

Whatever your reasons may be, it's always possible to practice standing up and speaking out for yourself and get better at it with time.

Following are a few tips to express your opinions, beliefs, and thoughts with confidence in your daily life.

1) Get comfortable standing up for yourself

It is okay to speak out for yourself. Being assertive won't make you rude. Standing up requires confidence and confidence is something that doesn't come naturally. It is something that has to be built up over time. It takes practice. Practice small but powerful steps. Once you start standing up for yourself, it will be easier to do! Practice makes perfect.

2) Stop apologizing for being you

Never apologize for showing your feelings. Be bold enough to be yourself.

You are not responsible for anyone else’s beliefs or perspectives. Those are entirely their own choice. If anyone dislikes or disapproves of your feelings or anything you say or do, it’s their judgment, from their perspective. Not yours. Say sorry when you've done something wrong, but you do not need to apologize when you've simply chosen to live according to your belief.

3) Know your worth

Women often undervalue their own potential. Many women who have settled for less don't believe they deserve more. Know your value and don't accept being treated in a way less than you deserve. You deserve to be treated the way you treat others. Give yourself permission to be courageous and face your fears. There is no substitute for YOU.

4) Don't give up

Women have to take responsibility for themselves and enhance the skills needed to compete. Nobody is going to do it for us, and we must gather our confidence, recognize our strengths, and have the courage to stand up. Even if nobody believes in yourself, don’t give up … Being a woman is the biggest obstacle, if you manage to overcome that, you are capable of anything.

When you stand up for yourself remember you stand up for many. With a little practice, you can figure out that perfect balance, and successfully stand up for yourself in a variety of situations.