How to Get Your Way Just About All the Time

Did you ever notice that some people seem to get their way all the time? Did you ever wonder why some people always get their way and your opinions or desires are squashed or ignored? Without resorting to outright bribery, here's a few ideas that might make it possible for you to turn the situation around so that you can get your way-just about all the time!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Set your priorities. Determine which of the things you want to happen is the most important. Begin from the top of your list and address one item at a time. Too many demands and/or requests will cause the decision maker(s) to have an easier time of saying "no" to everything.
2. Know your "enemy." Whether your enemy is one person or a way of thinking, you must define the obstacle that is keeping you from getting you way! Observe the situation and determine what issues must be reasonably addressed so that you can have your way. Come up with comments or reasons (write them down if necessary) to present to the decision maker(s) when making your request.
3. Define the decision maker(s) that will ultimately chose if you could have your way. Observe how and when they make their decisions. Are they more receptive to new ideas first thing in the morning before problems pile up, or are they in their most positive frame of mind in the afternoon or evening? Timing is everything; one should always try to ask for something when the decision makers are happy and receptive.
4. Maintain a positive attitude. Pouting, crying, stomping, and whining will get you nowhere. If anything it will get your idea dismissed without a second thought. Decision maker(s) can feel guilty and reconsider their decision if you respond in a mature manner. Ask the decision maker(s) what their concerns are and try to address the concerns.
5. If at first there is a "no" decision and you don't get your way, step back and analyze the situation. Make sure that want you want is really important to you. Determine if there is another way to present your case so that the decision maker(s) understand the importance of getting your way. Try adjusting the timing, or find a new way to approach the subject. Think about new facts or reasons why the decision maker(s) should let you have your way.
6. If the second attempt fails again, let it go gracefully. This goes a long way in getting what you want the next time. Following these steps will eventually help you to get your way-just about all the time!

Tips & Warnings

• Always maintain a positive attitude-smile, smile, smile!
• Realistically, you can't always get your way, but by following the ideas above, you might get your way occasionally.