Lack of assertiveness makes you feel powerless. Psychologists use assertiveness training, which is a behavioral technique, combined with traditional psychotherapy, to help you develop the necessary social skills to manage interpersonal situations more effectively, and to feel better about yourself in those interpersonal situations. In particular, assertiveness training teaches you how to refuse unreasonable requests from others, how to assert your rights in a non-aggressive manner, and how to negotiate to get what you want in your relationships with others. Traditional psychotherapy can help you identify and change the psychological factors that inhibit self-esteem and assertive communication. The assertiveness training uses behavioral techniques to teach you how to manage interpersonal situations better.
Assertiveness requires a change in attitude as well as a change in behavior.
They also worry about looking foolish in front of others, and are fearful of negative consequences all of the time. Making a good impression, avoiding public embarassment, and protecting yourself are all important traits, but non-assertive people take them too far. They always give in to others. Assertiveness training helps you learn how to judge when it is reasonable and appropriate to stand your ground, rather than giving in to others. It is not about being pushy or aggressive.