How to Succeed by Negotiating With Yourself

[image error]
While negotiating effectively with others is often key to reaching our goals, the most important negotiations we have — the ones that determine the quality of our lives and the impact of our actions — are the ones we have with ourselves. 

This entails balancing the needs and wishes of the different parts of your personality and psyche. A new book that was released last week, Winning from Within: A Breakthrough Method for Leading, Living and Lasting Change,  by Erica Ariel Fox, outlines four distinct parts of ourselves that we must work with.  She calls them the “Big Four.”  They are our:

Dreamer -- The visionary, creative part of us. This helps us set direction.

Thinker -- Analyzes evidence, pros and cons and enables us to reflect.

Lover -- That part of us that feels, experiences empathy and compassion and makes relationships successful.

Warrior -- Our practical side that provides us with courage to accomplish our ambitious goals and protects us by setting boundaries and handling conflict. 

These parts make up our inner team, with strengths and skills that enable us to navigate our life’s journey.  Her advice is to become aware of how you operate with all four.  We often favor one and allow others take a back burner in our thinking and decisions.  All four are important and increase our self-effectiveness.

There are many other interesting insights in the book worth reading.

-Andrea Zintz, Career Coach