Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, this Friday is Christmas day and I hope you are able to spend time with family and/or friends. I am blessed to be able to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas day with my adult kids and some close friends are coming over for Christmas dinner.

I hope you have an enjoyable time and also have some “me” time. The holidays cause many people stress getting things ready and running around to parties or organizing gifts, decorating, preparing to host a party.

Remember one of the key strategies in negotiation is to negotiate balance in your life.  What that means is when the stress of the holidays cranks up, take some time to slow down and do something you enjoy whether it’s read a book, watch a movie, get a massage, or whatever that thing is for you that relieves the stress. One of my favorite things to do is to go to the Korean Spa with my kids, get a massage, hit the Jacuzzi and steam room and chill out in the heated floor area or restaurant. We did that last night and I felt like jello, it was just the thing I needed to relax. Do that thing that you enjoy. You owe it to yourself.

The holidays can be a lonely and sad time for many.  With the recent shootings in Paris and San Bernardino, there are many families that will be in pain due to the loss of their loved ones.  Some may just feel alone because they don’t have anyone close to spend time with. I understand that as my mother died when I was 12 and after that all holiday celebrations stopped in my house.  My father spent the holidays getting drunk and shipped me off to somebody’s house for every holiday.  We never had another Thanksgiving, never had another Turkey dinner, no decorations, no presents, no celebration, nothing.

If you are struggling this year with feelings of sadness, an illness, a loss of a loved one, financial difficulties or whatever the case may be, reach out to someone for help.  We are not an island and there are people who are there to help.  As I teach in negotiation, ask for exactly what you (I) want.

If you need someone to reach out to, send me a note. Just shoot me an email at Eldonna@ThinkLikeANegotiator.com and I will be there for you. I know what it’s like to feel alone inside. You are not alone.

I am excited about the new 52 Negotiator Tips series coming next month. Keep an eye out for my announcement and be sure to sign up to receive a new tip every week.

Also, sign up now for TLN Live! You have to train negotiation to get good at it and I have a proven method that will accelerate your learning and ability to not only negotiate but also to lead others and also yourself.

Sending you Blessings and Love this holiday season!

Eldonna