Ninety-nine percent of the time when we have a problem, I truly believe we know what we should do. But we get into the craziest story telling contest with ourselves about why we shouldn’t, can’t, won’t, want to, or don’t want to, do something about it.

Try this. It is a mental tool I developed called, “Your Best Friend.” It will help you cut through all the stories and get to the answer you are seeking.

Imagine your best friend comes to you and you can see she is totally wrapped up in a huge drama. She proceeds to pour out her heart to you. Amazingly, her problem is exactly the same as yours and she wants your advice.

You listen patiently. After all, this is your best friend in the whole world. You set aside all your own drama, problems, and thoughts and focus on her because you love her and want only what is truly best for her.

Finally, she finishes and looks at you. “What should I do,” she asks. You sit quietly, thinking of all the things you could say. It doesn’t take too long before you know exactly what your advice to her must be. In your heart you truly believe this is what she needs to do because you can see that her future is at stake.

Now, take your own advice.