I read. A lot. And most of it’s non-fiction. Which means I should have the world’s problems completely solved. Obviously, I don’t, but I think I know a good idea and a good book when I see one, and recently I read such a book.

It’s called “The 2-degree Difference: How Little Things Can Change Everything” (by Dr. John Trent, P&H Publishing), and the premise behind it is that the way to succeed in problems big or small, is to make the little changes that compound into big results.

Brian, the gentleman featured in the book, was a failure at work, in marriage, with his teen-aged daughter and in his physical condition. In other words, he was a mess.

If Brian had tackled all these problems in big ways, he probably would have failed at most of them. But he didn’t, he just made little adjustments — like the kind we constantly make driving a car, and they added up to a changed man.

For example, since Brian needed to lose weight, he committed to eating one salad a day. And later, for exercise, he decided to walk his dog for two blocks.

He used the same method to restore his marriage and the relationship with his daughter. And, in all his attempts, he expected nothing in return. After all, they were his changes for the better, not an attempt to convince or bribe, but just to make his family’s life a little better.

I’ve really thought about the concepts of this book, and I’ve begun to use the ideas in my everyday life. I also need more exercise, but know I’m not a gym person, so I’ve committed to a few minutes, twice a day, on exercise equipment we already own. Down the road, I’ll increase it, but for right now, it’s my 2-degree change and I have faith it’ll lead to more commitments in the future.

Which begs the question — can you think of a 2-degree change? And what will the results be? I’m waiting to hear. Let me know.

Reach Auburn resident Karen Shepherd at karen.shepherd@rocketmail.com.