What's The Real Issue?

Today, I was able to talk to a student about surface issues vs. core issues.  Yes, the surface issues are mostly easy to identify and most practical to work on, however, if we never understand or work through the core issue, the habits and surface issues will always come back.  I created this visual today, although I'd like to have an actual sphere that the student could hold and interact with.  Thoughts? Resources? Help?