Do you ever look at your “to do” list of things you either want to accomplish or need to accomplish and you feel overwhelmed, stumped on even where to start? Frozen like a deer in headlights?

The old adage, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time,” is often used to convey the idea that even the biggest and most daunting tasks can be accomplished if they are broken down into smaller, more manageable pieces. This simple phrase is a reminder that you should not be discouraged by the size or complexity of a challenge, but rather focus on taking it one step at a time, one bite at a time.

This idea can be applied to a wide range of situations, from personal goals and projects, to professional endeavors, to things that just need to be done around your house, and even large-scale societal issues. For example, if you have a goal of losing weight or getting in shape, it can be overwhelming to think about the amount of effort and dedication that will be required to achieve your goal. However, by focusing on small, achievable steps, such as exercising for 30 minutes each day or cutting out sugary snacks, you can slowly but surely make progress towards your goal. Ask yourself, “what’s one step that I can do today to get me closer to my goal”?

The same principle applies to more complex tasks, such as starting a business or tackling a difficult project at work. Instead of getting bogged down by the daunting prospect of all the work that needs to be done, and letting that anxiety get the best of you, focus on breaking the task down into smaller, more manageable pieces. For example, if you’re starting a business, you could focus on completing one specific step each day, such as conducting market research or writing a business plan. By taking it one step at a time, you’ll be able to make steady progress towards your goal.

This approach isn’t just limited to personal or professional goals. It can also be applied to larger, societal issues, such as climate change or poverty. These problems can seem insurmountable, but by focusing on small, achievable steps, we can make a real difference. For example, you can take steps to reduce your own carbon footprint, such as recycling or using energy-efficient appliances, while governments and organizations can implement policies and programs that address those issue on a larger scale.

At the end of the day, the old adage, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time,” is a reminder that even the biggest and most daunting tasks can be accomplished if they are broken down into smaller, more manageable pieces. By taking it one step at a time, you can make steady progress towards your goals, no matter how big or daunting they may seem.