Being happy is a skill. When you’re making a difficult decision, you can ask yourself this: In 1,000 parallel universes, which decision makes you happier in 999 of them?

If the decision makes you only happier on the condition it turns out your way, then you need to consider what’s in your control, and the odds of what’s not in your control. 

For example, if you’re happier in 999 of these parallel universes as a writer, then it’s clear you should write. However, if you’re happier in 999 of these universes only as a bestselling author (let’s define that as selling over 100,000 copies per year)—and you know the odds of that are less than 1%, which equates to 10 of those universes—maybe you need to find a different opening.

What skills do you need to improve your odds of being a bestselling author?

And what’s most important to your happiness—is it money, status, or intrinsic fulfilment? Can you break open the bundle so more of it is in your control?

You can substitute happier with healthier, wealthier, more social, or any other goal you’re aiming for.

Thanks to Naval Ravikant for the 1,000 parallel universes exercise.