Research has shown that a ‘positive mood leads to desired outcomes in nearly every major life domain’ – including negotiations.  Walking into a negotiation feeling confident, happy and optimistic improves your chance of success.

How do we get ourselves in the right headspace? One way to prime a positive mood is to plan a reward. No matter the size, a reward is a great way to recognize the courage it takes to negotiate – and importantly, to boost your mood before the negotiation.

So before you go into your next negotiation, decide what your reward will be!  Here are some of our favorite ideas….

Rewards for free (or close to it!):

1. Go on a beautiful hike
2. Turn off your phone for the weekend and enjoy uninterrupted time
3. Reach out to old friends 
4. Take your PTO
5. Go on a walk with a friend
6. Visit your local bookstore
7. Watch the sunset (or sunrise!)
8. Grab a bunch of REAL magazines and spend the afternoon outside
9. Enjoy a decadent dessert
10. Spend the afternoon cooking a great meal, and share it with friends
11. Spend the morning with a cup of coffee and a great book
12. Visit your local farmers market
13. Listen to your favorite artist’s new album
14. Enjoy a museum 
15. Spend a quiet day at the library
16. Set up a game night with friends and family
17. Take a dance class on YouTube
18. Take the night off from all responsibilities
19. Go stargazing 
20. Host a potluck 
21. Binge on a TV show you’ve been waiting to watch
22. Set up a picnic in the park
23. Finally take up that new hobby 

Rewards under $100:

24. Enjoy a nice bottle of wine 
25. Book a mani/pedi with a friend
26. Buy yourself flowers
27. ..and maybe one of these Waterford vases to keep them in
28. Get some new workout gear, like these fun ankle weights
29. Walk into your favorite shop with $100 to spend on anything that tickles your fancy
30. Treat yourself to a massage
31. … or an at-home spa set!
32. Buy a great candle – like these from Anthropologie
33. Design personalized stationary that you love
34. Indulge your sweet tooth with the milk bar sampler
35. … or Levain cookies
36. Do something new, like a cooking class or an architecture tour
37. Go to a concert
38. Order yourself something fun like these for coffee beans
39. Invite friends over for a “mixology night” using one of these kits
40. Indulge in new sheets
41. Schedule a relaxing facial 
42. Go see a movie
43. Buy a new pair of cozy pajamas 
44. Grab your favorite bubble bath products and have a long soak
45. Go to your favorite restaurant
46. Buy a new plant for your workspace
47. Schedule a stay-cation
48. Buy a fun new kitchen gadget, like one of these quirky utensils 
49. Buy new fancy undergarments that make you feel amazing
50. Indulge in dreamy pillows
51. Buy that gorgeous art print 
52. Visit your local thrift store
53. Take a friend on an ice cream date
54. Visit a drive-in theater
55. Spruce up your outdoor space with some modern furniture 
56. Learn to scuba dive
57. Buy a new band for your Apple Watch

Rewards over $300:

58. Relax on your favorite beach for an uninterrupted weekend
59. A monthly flower subscription service like bouqs
60. A nice piece of artwork
61. Good quality headphones like these
62. Your “made it” work bag like this one from Prada (also available on TheRealReal and Rebag)
63. A truly fantastic wallet like this one from Ferragamo
64. A nice piece of jewelry
65. An updated work wardrobe
66. …or a fantastic date night dress
67. Boss lady shoes like these iconic louboutins
68. FANTASTIC seats to a musical, play or concert
69. Treat yourself to dinner at Berns in Tampa – you’ll be surrounded by folks from all over the country who are there to celebrate a special occasion
70. Relax at an all-day spa
71. Let yourself redo that part of your home that has always felt “meh”
72. Grab an entirely new skincare routine, like this line, from ZO
73. Get your eyebrows microbladed 
74. …. Or try fake eyelashes!
75. Hire a team to deep clean your space
76. Get your car detailed 
77. Splurge on a new hair color, cut, etc.
78. Refresh your bedding – pillow, sheets, comforter, the whole nine yards!
79. Buy fancy frames for the photos you love
80. Invest in a procedure you’ve always wanted.. like Lasik or Invisalign
81. Upgrade your jewelry set with this stunning Hermes band
82. Splurge on a new pair of sunglasses, like these Prada ones 
83. Start your day off strong with a new Nespresso machine

Once-in-a-lifetime rewards:

84. Helicopter over the Grand Canyon
85. Go to Paris and witness the Eiffel Tower at night
86. Stay on a hut in the water in the Maldives
87. See the sunrise in Santorini
88. Stay in a glass igloo in Finland
89. Visit Halong Bay in Vietnam
90. Take a ride on the Glacier Express in Switzerland
91. Explore the markets of Marrakesh
92. Watch the changing of the guards in London
93. Go wine tasting in Napa
94. Head over to Iceland and enjoy the Northern Lights
95. Take a private mediation class in Luang Prabang, Laos
96. Design your own clothes in Hoi Ann
97. See the sunrise over Angor Wat
98. Rent a convertible and drive route 1 in California
99. Smoke a Cuban cigar in Havana
100. Play blackjack in Vegas
101. Swim with the pigs in Exhuma