“Keep your mind sharp by observing what dulls it.” -Greg Williams, The Master Negotiator & Body Language Expert
“If You’re Stuck It’s In Your Mind”
What are you doing that doesn’t serve you when it comes to reaching your goals? Take note of such occurrences because to the degree you’re not doing the things that help you get closer to your goals you’re engaging in time wasters.
If you derive pleasure from some activities, recognize that pleasure for the value it adds to your life. Do the same for activities that serve as distractions and assess why you engage in them. You’ll uncover something about what motivates you in the process because distractions also serve you at some level. Identify the point of servitude that such provides and assess to what degree you’re being served. That will give you a sense of priority to apply to the action that leads you to the activity that serves you best. Then, you have to become disciplined to do that which serves your goals if you want more happiness and success in your life. If that point is minuscule understand that the activity that leads to the action you engage in may be more of a distraction than a value. If such is the case, have the fortitude to get rid of it.
Don’t feel overwhelmed when sensing a lack of direction in your life. Be thankful for the sensation. At that point, at least you’re aware that you’re not where you want to be. Instead, ask yourself, what would make me the happiest at this time. Pose thought-provoking questions such as that to probe the depths of your mind. By doing so, you’ll uncover hidden thoughts that will act as your mental GPS to navigate you to a greater sense of purpose and a better life.
When you think you’re stuck, don’t think that way. Instead, think that you’re just not thinking to the degree that you should be thinking to get yourself unstuck … and everything will be right with the world.
What does this have to do with negotiations?
Impasses occur in negotiations because the negotiators sense that there’s no feasible outcome to a situation. When confronted by such a plight, don’t think that you’re at a dead-end. Instead, examine the point of dispute from many points of thought. Suggest to the other negotiator that you and she do so together. By doing that, the two of you will be working on solving a problem, which should lead to more collaboration. That effort will assist more in leading to a resolution to the impasse than feeling reluctant about feeling stuck.
Your mind is what gives you a sense of purpose and direction in your life. When you feel stuck, use your mind to become unstuck!
What are your takeaways? I’d really like to know. Reach me at Greg@TheMasterNegotiator.com
Remember, you’re always negotiating!