I had a pain in my foot, and I blamed my foot—until a friend pointed out that I had a tack in my shoe. Whenever I get frustrated, I remind myself that I shouldn’t be too quick to hold myself responsible for the problem. Sometimes the problem is me. But sometimes the problem is something else.

Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; podcast@gretchenrubin.com

Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin

Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter

Order a copy of Gretchen’s new book OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM here: http://outerorderinnercalmbook.com

Leave a voicemail message on: 774-277-9336

For information about advertisers and promo codes, go to happiercast.com/sponsors.

Happier with Gretchen Rubin is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Do The Thing, Side Hustle School, Happier in Hollywood and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler. If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices