You negotiate every day—whether you realize it or not. From convincing your kids to eat vegetables to discussing a raise with your boss, life is full of unspoken deals. But what if you could stop winging it and start winning on purpose? The secret is not in being aggressive or manipulative—it is in mastering a set of skills that make you clear, calm, and compelling in any conversation.
Behind the Scenes: Finding Clarity Amid the Chaos
Lately, I have been thinking a lot about clarity—what it truly means to focus, especially when building something as meaningful as Emberhart. The truth is, I have a hundred ideas I could be developing right now. And some days, it feels like I should be progressing all of them at once. But life is full: a daily job, family responsibilities, and everything else that fills the margins of my day. Even without those commitments, trying to do everything at once would still be a mistake.
Clarity is not about doing more—it is about doing what matters, deeply and well.
Right now, I see two priorities rising above the noise. First, I want to fully absorb the 20+ books I have marked as essential. These are not casual reads—they form the foundation of Emberhart. I believe this step is non-negotiable. Until I can integrate these ideas into my own voice and worldview, I should not be rushing to build outward.
Second, I know my podcast needs to evolve. It must become more personal, more alive. That will take courage and experimentation—but I will return to that soon.
For now, this is my focus: mastering the material that will shape Emberhart, and transforming the podcast into something that truly connects.
And while I try to stay physically active, my body is asking for a smarter approach. My hamstrings, especially during baseball, have been pushing back hard. No more ignoring that. It is time to design a routine that strengthens without breaking me.
This season is about alignment—between my mission, my energy, and my daily actions. One clear step at a time.
Everyday Negotiation: The Hidden Superpower in Daily Life
Negotiation is often associated with high-stakes meetings or intense business deals—but the truth is, it is everywhere. From convincing a child to finish their homework to navigating shared responsibilities at home or work, we are constantly engaged in negotiations that shape our relationships and outcomes.
Recently, I revisited Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator. His ideas extend far beyond boardrooms. They tap into psychology, empathy, and human connection—skills anyone can apply daily.
Here are three key takeaways that can quietly transform your conversations:
1. Mirroring
Simply repeating the last few words someone says (or their key idea) invites them to elaborate and feel truly heard. It is subtle but powerful.
Example:
"I feel like I’m always the one doing the dishes."
“You feel like you’re always the one doing the dishes?”
2. The Power of “That’s Right”
When someone says “That’s right” instead of “You’re right,” it signals genuine understanding. It shows that you have articulated their feelings, not just pushed your opinion. That shift builds trust and diffuses tension.
3. Ask “How” Instead of Saying No
Rather than shutting ideas down, asking how encourages problem-solving.
Instead of: “We cannot do that,” try:
“How would that work?”
“How can we make it fair for both of us?”
🌿 https://www.emberhart.com/the-art-of-negotiation-in-everyday-life/
These are not negotiation “tricks”—they are tools for empathy, clarity, and collaboration. Use them with your partner, your team, or even your children. Conversations will feel different. Better. More human.
Have you already tried one of these? What happened?
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