What does negotiation have to do with longer life, you ask? Can you negotiate to live longer? In a manner of speaking, yes. A study funded by the National Institute of Health tells the story.
The point of the study was to take a look at people who lived to “extreme old age,” defined as 100, and figure out if the majority of them had anything in common. As a matter of fact, they do. If you’re thinking they never ate red meat, did daily yoga, and didn’t smoke or drink, you’re on the wrong track, though those things may be true too.
The individuals in the study had these things in common: they were assertive; they were often independent; they could be forceful; and they had a tendency to be suspicious, asking questions so they could discern the truth for themselves rather just accepting whatever they were told. In other words, they exhibited the traits of a good negotiator.
The key attribute is assertiveness. Assertive individuals look out for their own interests while still respecting the interests of others. On the flip side, aggressive individuals pursue their own interest with a lack of regard for others.
Sound interesting? Here are some tips on becoming more assertive: (adapted from a study by Leonard Poon, who is the director of the Gerontology Center at the University of Georgia):
• Ask for what you want. There’s nothing wrong with taking care of your own needs, but many people are afraid to ask for what they want. Your needs are often intertwined with those of others, so look out for both. Example: when you board an airplane, the emergency procedures tell parents that, if oxygen masks are required, they should adjust their own first so they are then better able to help their children.
• Forget negative self–talk. Many people stop themselves from going forward with a desire because they’re convinced they’ll only get “no” for an answer anyway. With thoughts like that, you’ll never get what you want. Instead, think, “If I ask, there’s a good chance I’ll get what I want.”
• Make your feelings known in a non-threatening way, by expressing yourself without anxiety or anger. Use “I” statements that take the focus off of the other person, as in, instead of “you shouldn’t have done that,” try “I’m uncomfortable when you do that.”
• Set boundaries. You need to be able to say no, to set limits and not permit others to step over your boundaries. That way, you can withstand intimidation from pushy people, like determined car salesmen. If you know your boundaries and insist on maintaining them, you can say to him, “I will not be buying a car today.”
If you’d like to read more about this study on successful aging, click here:
'Yoga' is the secret key for longer healthy life written by Lily on February 24, 2008
I also believe in fitness and try to be fit always. I practice 'Yoga' every morning. Previously I felt stress easily and couldn't able to faced with heavy work load. But now, those things totally removed from me by practicing 'Yoga'. Not only that, my concentration power has been increased at a level that my boss pleased to me and I got promotion. After a long duty hour i also spend my time with my friends and parents where some days ago I was lethargic to do those things. So, I would like to suggest 'Yoga' to all. Even it cures lots of chronic diseases without harmful side effects. A few days ago i went through over a site where they suggest 'Yoga' and other alternative therapies freely with expert's opinion. Its http://rvita.com/remedy/yoga.html. You can also join here and share your experiences. I hope all will be benefited by the practice of 'Yoga'.
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