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Solve small problems, even when you're faced with an overwhelming crisis. We are so accustomed to living with minor annoyances that it’s not always easy to identify them, let alone make corrections. But these annoyances have a way of acquiring mass and eventually blocking your path to change. By training yourself to spot and solve small problems, you can avoid undergoing much more painful remedies later.

Hindsight, as they say, is 20/20, and it's always easier to spot a crack in the ceiling after rain has soaked the plaster. But it's possible to train yourself to see small warning signs more clearly. Try these exercises to sharpen your small-problem vision:

Recall a major mistake you've made at some point in your life. Now, take some time to consider whether there were small signs along the way indicating that things were not going according to your plans or wishes. What measures did you have to take to correct the problem? Did you halt your "assembly line" and start all over? Did you ignore the problem in the hopes you'd achieve your result on time anyway?

Identify one small mistake you have made today, with-out becoming angry with yourself for making this mis­take. This single act, especially if you perform it daily, will raise your awareness of small mistakes.

Now ask yourself whether the small mistake you identified reflects a larger problem, or if it has the potential to gather velocity. (If you misplaced your car keys, for example, ask yourself if you are trying to juggle too many things at once, or are so distracted that you might eventually make a more serious mistake.) By paying attention to this mistake, you will reduce its frequency. If you feel this mistake indicates a more significant problem in your life, ask yourself: What small step can I take to correct this situation?

Ask yourself whether there are ways in which you irritate your family, friends, co-workers, or customers. Your new awareness alone reduces the probability that you will make this mistake again, but you should also ask yourself whether this mistake is part of a bigger problem. If you can peg the error to a larger issue, you'll give yourself further incentive to work on it!