Lack of self confidence is one of the major reasons when you are unable to take a call even when the situation is ripe for you to be positive about it. Being assertive with self is desirable.
Believe me; I was kind of prompted to write this blog after a small but significant incidence just a couple of days back.
Our Outward Bound office is situated on the second floor. Near the entrance stairs that lead to our office we have a pin up board on which is displayed a colorful poster announcing our upcoming programs during the summer vacation.
Two college students, who happen to be on a visit to the art exhibition on the ground floor, were having a look at the poster. Having read the contents they started discussing and I overheard one of them saying that he would like to go for the Himalayan program. I introduced myself and invited them to my office.
After about half an hour of deliberations both left with full information promising to call back. The call never came. I followed it up after a few days. I was talking to the one who was keen to go. This time he sounded a little unsure of himself and asked for some more time.
During my second follow up call, the enthusiasm on the other side was definitely palpable, but there was no definite ‘Yes’ forthcoming as yet. When queried I could make out that parents permission was already there but the student himself was unsure and needed time to take a call. After a week the situation remained the same.
The next time the student didn’t respond to our call and will possibly not the next time too.
These kinds of experiences are nothing new to us and we have learned a few things from it.
- Be patient with the students.
- Offer them counseling.
- Help them come to a learned decision.
- Let them take the ownership of their decision.
- Help them to become assertive.
However the situation raises a few questions from the students point of view;
- The student voluntarily wanted to join the program, he has his parents’ permission,Then why is he not forthcoming?
- What is stopping him from joining the program?
- Why has he stopped responding to our calls?
- If he has changed his mind and doesn’t want to go, then why is he not clearly saying NO?
Is it lack of self confidence?
Is it the fear of failure?
Is it related to physical & mental fitness?
Is it the fear of unknown?
The student needs to find the answers. Nature & adventure participation is one of the way to rediscover your inner self and seek answers to many question through self introspection.
Outward Bound programs explore all these possibilities for the participants.. Our adventure programs in India are much more than just outdoor activities. There are inbuilt exercises that help students build on their self confidence, become assertive and develop resilience. They need to come out of their comforts, shed inhibitions and take the initiative to walk up to us. A life changing experience awaits them at Outward Bound.
Small experiences make a big difference. You need to get ready for them. The initiative you take, the steps you take to participate, the decision you make for your own good, the time and money you invest in yourself, become the stepping stones for you for your future.
Opportunities are always around us, you need to identify them, take the initiative and grab them instead of waiting for them to come to you. One must learn to be assertive with self to be good at decision making.
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