30-Second Changes That Create Long Lasting Happiness

Sometimes, our problems feel so huge and insurmountable. When this happens, writes Brian Tracy in his forthcoming book, Get Smart! How to Think, Decide, Act, and Get Better Results in Everything You Do, grab a piece of paper and write down your problem. Then ask this question: "What else is the problem?" Continue asking that question and keep answering it. As Tracy writes, "this systematic process" will usually identify the real source of your complaint——if not a way to tackle it. For example, if your original complaint is, "I feel distant from my partner," then asking, "What else is the problem?" might result in a list such as: 1) your partner works until midnight every day; 2) your partner doesn't call you during the day; and, 3) the two of you haven't had a vacation together in two years—all of which are smaller problems that, unlike a big, abstract issue, can be solved.