1. Start and end each day with a winning focus: Although we know better, how many of us wake up each morning with at least a little dread of the day ahead and end up punishing ourselves, at least a little, for what we didn't get done, what didn't go as planned?  Stop that.  Instead shift your morning focus to "What will go right today and how can I make that happen?" and end each day with "Wow, I did it.  Now how can I build upon that tomorrow?"

2. Choose your focus: Studies show that 75% of the 60,000 thoughts we think each day are negative.  Ouch!  You have the power to change that by first simply noticing those unproductive thoughts.  Then, choose what will bring you more of what you intend to accomplish.  For example, change "she'll poke holes in my proposal so why even present it" to "I know she can be impatient and closed minded...how can I present this in a manner that will captivate her long enough so she can get the full picture?"

3. Begin with people first:  At the start of any interaction, especially a potentially volatile one, breathe and look into the eyes of those with whom you are about to influence.  What is important to them at this moment?  Do they need to feel safe, understood, listened to, inspired, educated, a break in the tension with a personal question?  Having taken care of their needs, you can more quickly and effectively move forward with your goals.  Without this step, which can take less than a minute, you may never get full buy-in to what you are about to present.