When we have a problem, most of us zero in, take it apart, and focus until we have it solved. Steven Spielberg tried that when the scenes with his expensive prosthetic shark just weren't scary. Psychologist, social scientist and million-selling author David Niven shows us that focusing on the problem is exactly the wrong way to find an answer. And Jaws built its famous menace precisely because the shark hardly ever appears in shot.

Putting problems at the centre of our thoughts shuts down our creative abilities, depletes stamina, and feeds insecurities. Niven shows how working harder, and having absolute confidence in finding a solution, actually hides answers.

It's Not About the Shark shows how to transform your daily life with a simple but rock-solid principle: If you start by thinking about your problems, you'll never make it to a solution. If you start by thinking about a solution, you'll never worry about your problems again.

His arguments are sound, his stories intriguing - if there's any higher praise for a book, I can't imagine it. * Daily Mail *
In this useful tome, Niven gives unusual, yet eminently practical, problem-solving advice . . . This fresh, enthusiastic approach to problem-solving will encourage readers to open themselves up to opportunity and make for a valuable addition to anyone's self-help shelf. * Publishers Weekly *
David Niven has done it again - a short, readable, entertaining, enlightening, and inspiring book for people who have problems. Don't we all??I got some great insights - along with a few laughs - while reading about ways to deal with bumps in the road of life. You will too. * Hal Urban, author of Life's Greatest Lessons *
You can bury your white flag now, because after you read It's Not About the Shark you'll never surrender to a problem again. * Stephen Pollan, author of Fire Your Boss *
It's Not About the Shark illustrates the power of thinking unconventionally about approaches to many common barriers to success. It shows that alternative methods are often much more powerful solutions than conventional wisdom. Written in an engaging manner, it made me want to read the next chapter after chapter. Wow. * Gordon Bethune, former CEO and chairman, Continental Airlines *
David Niven will help you think more, panic less, dream bigger, and WIN. * Bob Danzig, former CEO, Hearst Newspapers *

DAVID NIVEN is known internationally for translating powerful research findings into practical advice anyone can apply to their daily lives. David's The 100 Simple Secrets of Happy People - and seven other titles in the series - have sold more than 1 million copies in the U.S., and has been translated in 30 languages around the globe. His work has been featured in USA TODAY, US Weekly, The Washington Post, Reader's Digest, Redbook, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, and Health.