Avoiding one problem is worth solving two. Because there’s no need to solve problems you avoid, you may even free up time and energy to focus on what’s important to you. It’s tough to build something new when you’re fighting fires. Urgent problems can overwhelm important opportunities.

If you are attacked, it’s great to know self-defense techniques. Even better is to avoid attacks in the first place. Pay attention to your surroundings, avoid unnecessary risks and make yourself an unappealing target.

On the road, wear your seatbelt in case something unexpected happens. To avoid the unexpected, leave lots of distance between you and the car in front of you. Pay attention to what other drivers are doing and drive defensively.

What could you do to eliminate problems before they need to be solved?