After a break from any extended negotiations, it helps to take a critical assessment of the highlights and shortcomings of a negotiation. We can learn both from reaffirming our successes and acknowledging our failures.

• Debriefing the highs and lows, the successes and failures of any negotiation can provide valuable lessons for the future, about our own skills and behaviors, as well as information about the other side.
• Don't second-guess yourself to death. Remember, you really don't know what would have happened had you learned more answers at the outset, started higher with your opening, or managed concessions differently. The idea is to recharge, not regret.
• Master negotiators learn by doing, and by self-reflection and commitment to improve.