How to Eat an Elephant

"How do you eat an elephant? Bite by bite". Although this may be a simplistic riddle, yet for me it holds a vital key to successful productivity. Often we look at a large task we have to face and it seems like our legendary elephant. The task itself just seems impossible, but if we break it down into bite size chunks, it can be achieved.

No one would expect you to eat an elephant in one mouthful, and you should not expect yourself to finish one enormous task without breaking it down into smaller, more manageable portions.

These manageable portions could be mid-term, short term and immediate goals; or they could just be steps towards a major goal. Mid-term, short term and immediate goals have a definite time limit. Steps just keep the momentum going - once you have achieved the first step, then you can take the next one, and so on.

If you are facing a really daunting task then take some time to break it down into smaller tasks. Think about the different steps involved in achieving your major goal or fulfilling this enormous task. Almost anything is achievable if you do it a step at a time. Don't think about the big picture if it is too daunting. Focus on the small achievements and in the end they will add up to the one great achievement.

When you are faced with a daunting task, think of the simplistic little riddle of the elephant. Break each large task down into a number of smaller goals or steps and get moving. Focus on the small achievements instead of the big picture and you will soon find that you have accomplished more than you ever dreamt possible. The idea is to make a start, a small start.