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Loading ...how do you eat an elephant
13 May2009
so, how do you eat an elephant?
Simple. One bite at a time.
The same is true with life and simplifying. Just like eating an elephant, the only way you are going get through it is bite by bite. In my previous post, Are you Climbing Your Mount Everest?, I talked about reaching your goals and dreams but not about how to reach them.
Figuring out how to reach a goal is often the most difficult yet, largest step you can take. Trying to bite off more than you can chew is often a recipe for disaster (sorry about the pun).
how do you take that step?
I’m not going into great detail on that…but the truth aligns with my passion to simplify. The trick is to take one step (or bite) at a time. There are many approaches to achieving this – backwards planning is a popular method. That means beginning with the end in mind. In order to start your “meal” you have to know what you are “eating” to finish it. That means defining your goals and seeing where you are going.
what mountain are you climbing?
When you have determined your goals it will be much easier to focus on your target. So focus is the active ingredient. Without it you will be unable to find the elephant, let alone eat it.
Focus is defined as a center of activity or attention, which demands your time and effort. If you want to reach an object, you have to make sure that you open your eyes and look in the direction that the object lies. You must target it if you want to reach it. Make sure you move towards the object and not away from it.
So eating an elephant one bite at a time requires a decision followed by determination. You must decide what your elephant is, focus on it and take action to get there. These steps will get you there one bite at a time.
are you eating your elephant?
Share your story and determination, perhaps we can help motivate, inspire and support your dreams and goals. Comments and dialogue are always welcome.
Oh…and I don’t condone eating elephants!
2 Responses to how do you eat an elephant
Jodi Ward
February 6th, 2010 at 5:43 pm
Hey Stephen
I like this elephant article. My husband– John added something to the quote that fits quite well–if it gets tough, slow cook until tender. In other words take the work slower.
Take Care.
Jodi
simply stephen
February 8th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
Jodi & John…nice to have you drop by. I heard the elephant quote several years ago and it struck a chord. We really do need to slow down with work and life. People are always on the go. If you slow down, less mistakes happen and you are in the end more productive with better quality results. I do have a post called release your inner tortoise and slow down and another called take time to smell the roses if you want to have a quick read. Slow and tender…nice!