Expressing Needs Effectively
Waypoint Message
Learning to express your needs isn't selfish—it's essential for building healthy relationships and creating the life you want. When you clearly communicate what you need, you give others the gift of understanding you better. Think of it like being a GPS for your friendships: without clear directions, people get lost trying to help you. Whether you need more study time, emotional support, or space to recharge, speaking up with kindness and clarity builds trust and respect. Your needs matter, and learning to share them confidently is a superpower that will serve you throughout your entire life.
Success Strategies
1. The Clear Request Practice: Once a day, make one specific, kind request instead of hinting or complaining. Replace "This homework is impossible" with "Could you help me understand this math concept?"
2. Need Check-In Moments: Set a phone reminder for three times during the day to pause and ask yourself "What do I need right now?" Practice naming it, even if just to yourself.
3. Boundary Setting Practice: Practice saying no to one small request each day that doesn't align with your needs, using kind but clear language like "I can't do that right now, but thanks for thinking of me."
Shift your thinking:
Use the shift cards below to reframe your outlook on the day.
Connection Matters:
Use the connection cards below to start a conversation with the people around you.