Having a 'BATNA' is the key to always getting what you want.

Ever been in a situation where things didn't go as planned, and you felt completely stuck? Whether it's a job offer falling through, a date cancelling last minute, or negotiating for a better deal, the key to always landing on your feet is having something called a 'BATNA'.

It might sound like some corporate jargon, but don't worry — it's not as intimidating as it sounds.

Let's break it down, explore how it works in everyday life, and discover why having a backup plan is basically a superpower.

Watch: 'This Glorious Mess' on money and career. Post continues after video.

What is BATNA in simple terms?

BATNA stands for Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement.

Sounds fancy, right? Something reserved for an intimidating meeting room with a bunch of people in suits?

Well, sure, it can be used in that context. But it can also be applied to situations in our everyday lives. And maybe even should be.

In the simplest terms, a BATNA is a backup plan if things don't go your way. Say you're unhappy in your job, for example. Your BATNA is your Plan B that you can fall back on. But it's not just a plan B. It's a tried-and-tested negotiation tactic that can be applied to everything from getting the job of your dreams, to deciding what to have for dinner.

And the advantage? Knowing you have a BATNA can keep you calm, confident, and in control if your Plan A isn't planning out like you had hoped.

Having a BATNA "can improve your satisfaction with your situation and give you a sense that you are making intentional choices", Joan Moon, a career coach and the head of negotiation coaching at the Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Collaboratory at the Harvard Kennedy School, told NPR.

Instead of feeling like you're in a yes/no, win/lose situation, you always stand to win, even if your preferred option doesn't work out.

How to find your BATNA in everyday situations.

Finding your BATNA doesn't require a business degree. It's simply about asking yourself, "What's my best alternative if this option doesn't work out?"

Here's how to figure it out:

List all your alternatives in your situation: Think about all the options you have, outside of the one being presented to you. If you're trying to negotiate lower rent, for instance, your alternatives might be staying with family temporarily, moving to a smaller place, or splitting rent with a roommate.

Evaluate their value: Consider what each alternative gives you. Maybe staying with family is cheaper but less private, while finding a roommate balances costs and independence.

Choose your preferred alternative: Which option feels like the best safety net for you?

Know your limits: What's the absolute minimum you'd accept before walking away?

For example, if you're house hunting, your BATNA might be extending your lease instead of jumping into a subpar deal just to close quickly.

Having that clarity can prevent you from settling for less, or feeling like you've got the short end of the stick in a negotiation.

Real-life examples of BATNA in action.

Imagine this: you've scheduled a meeting with your boss to negotiate a long-overdue pay rise. You've been performing above expectations, taking on extra projects, and hitting every goal, so you feel confident about your case. But as the conversation unfolds, your boss explains that budget constraints mean they can't meet your desired salary.

Now, without a BATNA, this might feel like a dead end. But let's say you've been proactive. Before this meeting, you researched your market value and quietly explored other job opportunities. You've even had an offer from another company, one that aligns with your salary expectations and offers a flexible work-from-home policy.

With this BATNA in place, you're not stuck. You can confidently respond, "I understand the budget is tight. However, I've received another offer elsewhere. I'd love to stay, but I need to be compensated fairly. Can we revisit this?" And if you haven't got another offer lined up? Your alternatives might be to stay in the role as it stands (probably not your BATNA), leave the company and look for another job, with solid understanding of your value in it, or perhaps consider what is the smallest amount of time you would wait to revisit the topic.

Even if your boss says no, you've got options to fall back on. That's the power of a BATNA — knowing you'll land on your feet regardless of the outcome.

Want a simpler example?

What to do if you have no BATNA.

Can you get by without a BATNA? Sure. But realistically, you always have some options — it's just a matter of how strong they are.

Let's say you've been planning a big vacation for months. You've booked everything — flights, hotels, activities — but just days before you leave, your travel companion cancels, leaving you in a tough spot. It might feel like the whole trip is ruined, but your BATNA could be deciding to go solo, changing the destination to somewhere more accessible on your own or inviting another friend who's up for an impromptu adventure.

It may not be the dream scenario, but it keeps the vacation alive. You can still explore new places, meet new people, and enjoy the time away on your own terms.

The trick is, even when things fall through, your BATNA is what keeps you moving forward, helping you salvage the situation, even if it looks different than you planned. It's about always having a backup option available to you if you don't like what's on offer, whether that's in the boardroom or debating with your partner over what to have for dinner.

Why having a BATNA is always a good idea.

When you've got a backup plan, you're less likely to panic or make rash decisions.

Having a BATNA isn't about being pessimistic; it's about being realistic. Life doesn't always follow your script, but when you're ready for the curve balls, you're way more likely to land on your feet.

So next time you're faced with a tough decision, ask yourself: What's my BATNA? You might just find that having a solid Plan B is the secret to always getting what you want.

Feature Image: Getty.