When we make assertions, we are saying, “I will do X and Y will happen.” I know what you are thinking – and maybe you are right – we don’t get Y, or anything close to it. So, what’s the point of making an assertion?
Affirmative resignation is when you realise where you are and accept it. With affirmative resignation comes self-acceptance. Self-affirmation, on the other hand, has no such check-in – if you tell yourself you are strong, capable, and a bit of legend, who’s to say otherwise?
Assertions are a great way to check in with reality. We can be confident we know what we’re talking about when we can predict what will happen next. For all else, file it under, best guess. Nothing wrong with that, it’s a super helpful practice:
For example: If I run three times a week, then I’ll be able to run 5k in 20 minutes by the weekend.”
At the heart of action-based learning is the opportunity to learn a little bit more about the situation you find yourself in. Take a risk, put yourself on the hook, and see where you end up. If all else fails you may find you build emotional resilience.
If you could do X, what do you want to happen as Y?