Instead of "be better", request "reply to my message within 24h".

When your emotion doesn't serve the situation, do the opposite of what it pushes you to.

Replace vague "good job" with specific praise describing: what he did, impact, why it matters.

Instead of "I want to run a marathon", say "I'm a runner" — identity drives behavior.

Don't target "$100K this year" — target "3 sales calls daily".

Each month, write 3 behaviors to start, 3 to stop, 3 to continue.

Write four sentences: Describe the behavior, Express the impact, Specify the change, Consequences.

In tough confrontation: Describe-Express-Specify-Consequence — four sentences resolve.

Before labeling someone "difficult", diagnose the specific type: are they anxious, ignored, or genuinely conflicted in interest?

Identify 5 feelings that make you open phone. Per feeling, alternative plan pre-touch.