“The way you think determines how you think. Don’t limit your thoughts by having limiting beliefs.” -Greg Williams, The Master Negotiator & Body Language Expert
“Limiting Beliefs Limit Your Beliefs”
How many times have you said to yourself, I can’t do that? Seriously, consider the times in your life when you posed such a question. Then, think about the times you did so and what that thought was related to (e.g. I can’t lose weight, I can’t become better at ‘x’, etc.)
The point is, when you have limiting beliefs, you limit your ability to achieve more and be more than what you are. Worse, limiting beliefs allows you to mentally prepare to accept a less than stellar attempt at achieving success.
When you hear it, take note of the little voice in your head that says, “I can’t”. As soon as it attempts to dissuade you from attempting to conquer what you want to achieve, talk back to it. Ask it, why can’t I achieve ‘x’? What are you attempting to do with the words, “I can’t”? What thoughts do I need to change to have a more positive perspective about this effort?
Some people associate one talking to one’s self as a slipping of the mind. I believe the exact opposite. Since we’re always having conversations with our self, we should be mindful of controlling those conversations. After all, what we think we can achieve is viewed through the prism of what we perceive to be achievable. Thus, if you shift your paradigm to one of, “I can”, instead of, “I can’t”, you’ll be better positioned mentally to strive harder towards greater achievements … and everything will be right with the world.
What does this have to do with negotiations?
As soon as you adopt an “I can’t” attitude at the negotiation table, you set yourself up for a ‘less than’ outcome in the negotiation. By maintaining a more positive perspective about what you can achieve, you’ll place more focus on a greater outcome. Since there’s a lot of psychological gamesmanship that occurs during a negotiation, you have to keep your mental state sharp. Focusing on the, “I can” and not limiting your beliefs, is a way to do so.
What’s your opinion? I’d really like to know. Reach me at Greg@TheMasterNegotiator.com
Remember, you’re always negotiating.