How to Be Pushy

What does the word ‘pushy’ mean to you? What does it make you think of?

Not sure if it’s just me, but the word ‘pushy’ definitely seems to have a negative connotation to it. Personally, I feel like it can actually be a positive thing when used correctly, especially in the business world. What do you guys think?

Both business and disability are areas where being pushy is definitely important. More on pushy and disability coming right up!

This post had been hanging around my draft folder for a long time, and then came a movie I watched the other night, Brain on Fire. This movie left me speechless, and really hit home for me. In the movie, a young woman suddenly develops a bunch of scary symptoms, and no none can figure out what the problem is. Geez, a woman with health issues; I wonder why on earth it hit home for me?

In this horrible situation, her divorced parents find the strength to come together and do what needs to be done.

SIDE NOTE: I realized this IS possible when I recently had my severe pneumonia. My parents, the long time divorced couple, were able to spend time in the same room together, when push really came to shove

Anyways, back to my point. In the movie, we see a family come together and try everything to get a diagnosis from the doctors. Talk about pushy, and I definitely mean the good kind.

“We’ll get back to you”, “Please hold”, “There’s been a delay”… You know, all those little phrases people say when it really just feels like they’re blowing you off? Those lovely phrases that make you feel like you’re stuck and don’t know where to turn? We all love those, don’t we? The question is, what should we do when this happens? Do we politely agree and try to be patient? Do we freak out, or do we not know what the heck to do (AKA me)? Everyone’s different I’m sure, but all I know for a fact is that, I am trying so very hard to master this thing people call “being pushy”. It seems to be an art, really.

How to Be Pushy – Zoey Style!

Brave – Fake it till ya make it, that’s my motto! Me and brave don’t always go too well together, to be honest, but I’m working on it! What helps me? I try and channel my inner-Franky … (you can read this post to understand what I mean).

Empathetic – My wife sometimes has to remind me of this one. Even though it’s hard, trying to see where the other person is coming from can be very helpful to your cause. You know, all those common sayings like, “put yourself in their shoes”? See if this works for you!

Persistent – Call me redundant and annoying, but being persistent and/or pushy is undeniably step 1 of this agenda.

Unapologetic – We have the right to information, answers, etc. I don’t care how Canadian we are, this is not the time to apologize. Remember this.

Specific – You gotta be clear about what you need. Be annoyingly detailed and thorough, if you have to. In the words of Degrassi, do “whatever it takes”.

Hurry up – Not to sound rude or insensitive, but especially with things like health, sadly speed is important.

Yes – Yes, that’s right, yes can do this! Yes, you got this! Positive thinking always helps!

I’m working on this myself, guys, I know it’s super tricky! I always remind myself, “I’m an adult, a businesswoman, with the right to make my own choices, push for them and make it work.” Rinse and repeat, as needed. 

How do you ‘do pushy’?

Thanks for reading peeps, always means a lot!

P.S. I definitely recommend watching Brain on Fire if you’re into that kind of movie! <3