Every problem has a perfect solution

 Every problem has a perfect solution. Only

that solution will do, and you must find it as

quickly as possible.

Most problems have many possible solutions

that will work. If you insist that only the

perfect one will do, you may spend so much

time trying to find it that you can’t get started.

Meanwhile, the more time passes, the more

tempting it is to freak out that the problem

isn’t solved. It’s much more effective to pick a

solution and start working toward it. If it turns

out there is a better solution, consider

switching to it (but make sure the switch

doesn’t cost more than you gain with the

better solution).

Certainly think things through before jumping

in, but don’t spend so much time analyzing

that you never actually get started. What you

decide is rarely a permanent commitment—you

can change your mind later if it doesn’t work

out. It’s better to pick one of the many things

that will work and get started than to stay

paralyzed in your search for the perfect way, or

even the best way. A good way is good

enough.

would worry about it in his stead, and she

promised: “I will worry about this every day.

Do not worry.“ It worked: “Every time I started

to ruminate, I’d remind myself that [my

assistant] was already on the case, and I’d

relax.”

After I read this, I realized I was worrying

about a lot of things, and it wasn’t

accomplishing anything. I don’t have an

assistant in India, but A. J. does, and I figured

if she’s already worrying about his stuff, it’s not

much more trouble to worry about mine, too.

So I decided to pretend to outsource my

worrying to her. Every time I felt myself

beginning to worry or dwell on something

upsetting, I just told myself A. J.’s assistant

was on that and I could stop. Nothing came

out any worse for my not angsting over it, and

I felt a whole lot better. Over time, shortcircuiting

my worrying this way has become a

habit, and I worry much less.