“Sunday Negotiation Insight”
That which you focus on will determine the path you’re on. If you don’t like the path, change your focus. -Greg Williams, The Master Negotiator & Body Language Expert
“What Are You Focused On”
As you’ve grown in life, you’ve become what you focused on. Thus, in order to become something other than what and/or who you are currently, you must focus on what you want to become in the future. That statement sounds overly simplistic but it’s the simplistic things that we overlook at times that cause us the greatest consternation, later. We lament with such thoughts as, why did I do that, what was I thinking of, how did I get here? The answer to those questions is, you were thinking of the thoughts you focused on that led to where you now find yourself. Again, it’s simple. Truth be known, it’s simple and complicated. What makes it complicated is a lack of focus.
If you seek a different outcome, lifestyle, situation, from the one you currently have, determine what you want in its place, assess how you might acquire it, and then set out to achieve it. As you go about the latter, set mile markers so you can continuously assess how far along you are to becoming the ‘new you’. Such mile markers will serve as indicators leading to course corrections if such is warranted.
Here’s something else to remember, you weren’t made into the person you are overnight. Don’t expect the ‘new you’ to be ready ‘on-demand’. You are and always will be, a work in progress. Don’t get upset with yourself when you’re not where you want to be, set a new course, and get-to-getting (i.e. implementing) … and everything will be right with the world.
What does this have to do with negotiations?
In a negotiation, the best-laid plans can go astray. When you encounter perceived impasses, don’t lose your focus. Instead, focus on your plan ‘B’; you do have a plan ‘B’, right?
Look at impasses as a way to realign your focus. If plan ‘B’ encounters perceived challenges, be prepared to focus on your next plan. As long as you can maintain your focus, you’ll maintain sight of your goals.
Suffice it to say, smart negotiators have multiple plans that they’ll use if they can’t achieve their objective with the original plan. Not achieving your goals with plan ‘A’ should be anticipated. Prepare for it by having additional plans.
What are your thoughts? I’d really like to know. Reach me at Greg@TheMasterNegotiator.com
Remember, you’re always negotiating.