Clients often tell me their jobs are too difficult. But a little probing usually reveals they're referring to frequent stumbling blocks that, in total, constitute only a small fraction of their workdays. Yet those stumbling blocks are so frustrating, they make my clients feel everything about their jobs is too difficult.

Many of people find relief by using the one-minute struggle. When you reach a stumbling block, struggle for no more than one minute - beyond that, the odds are small you'll overcome it. After that minute, ask yourself, "Should I get help or is it a problem I can afford to ignore?" Limiting yourself to one-minute struggles can often cut a difficult job down to size.