Many times we think through the consequences of an action, but rarely do we consider the consequences of inaction—of not doing. Consider where you have placed yourself—relationships, work, and friends—all of it. Now ask yourself, "Is the price I am paying from inaction larger than the risk of taking action?" Are you brave enough to act on a truth that probably already exists?

In my own coaching work, one word can help move a client into a more optimistic mindset. It's the word "Yet." Put "yet" at the end of any statement and it immediately turns a negative point of view into one of hopefulness, of something more.

“Taking someone’s balance” is an effective strategy when positions are rigid and inflexible and not in spite of it. Taking someone’s balance means we step out of the way of the attack and effortlessly respond with the opposite posture. This means if asked an irresolvable question reverse the query by asking for the statement. If you are the target of an aggressive statement, flip instead to a question.