One of the main ideas out of Jim Camp’s negotiation book “Start with No” is “Don’t be needy.”

Easy to say.

However, if you are feeling needy, there is a fix.

Stop and look at what’s true.

I had two conversations this week with people who are taking on big things and feeling nerves.

One of them is going on tour as the opening band for a heavy metal show.

He told me he was nervous, and I asked what about.

He was worried that his truck will die while they are on the road.

Legit concern.

I asked what he would do if that happened.

At first, he didn’t have an answer.

Then he realized he would probably find a rental.

So he is going to look into what those cost, just in case.

He is also going to get his truck inspected before the trip.

And between the two, he returned to his usual cool dude self.

Our brains are designed to keep us alive, but that means they tend to jump to worst case scenario.

“If he says no it means he hates me.”

“If I don’t close this deal, I will lose everything.”

“I’ll be homeless and die in a ditch.”

“I’ll have to leave the country.”

“My wife will leave me.”

What’s really true is probably a lot less dramatic.

Looking at what is really going on will free you up to be the creative, friendly, non-needy person you actually are.

***If this helps, please share.