When you need to address a problem or resolve a conflict in a relationship, timing is everything, Dr. Robin says. If your timing if off, your confrontation could end in disaster—but if you're mindful of your timing, you can turn that stumbling block into a building block. "You can take what would have been a blow up and turn it into a bridge," she says. "You can take what would have been a breakup and make it something that actually becomes a growing moment."

The next time you prepare to battle a friend, co-worker or spouse, ask yourself if the timing is right. Are you too tired to think clearly? Is the other person under a lot of stress? If you want real change, make sure you take action at the right time and in the right frame of mind. "Breathe and exhale so that you can maximize the moment when the time is right," Dr. Robin says.