The Control Column

Draw two columns. On the left, everything about this situation that is outside your control. On the right, everything within it. Be strict. Another person's feelings are on the left. What you say to them is on the right. An outcome is usually on the left. The action that makes it more likely is on the right. Then look only at the right column and pick the smallest item you would actually do this week. Not the most important one. The smallest one you will genuinely do. Most people's left column is longer than they expect, and that is often a relief rather than a defeat.