I once had a complex work project that I avoided for weeks. It loomed over me, growing more daunting by the day.
The solution? Breaking it into tiny, manageable steps. Each time I completed a small task, I gained momentum. The project shifted from impossible to inevitable.
How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
Big tasks become achievable when you slice them into bite-sized actions.
Achieve your big goals by breaking them down
Does a big goal or project feel impossible to tackle? The solution is simple but powerful: Break it down into smaller sub-tasks.
Why breaking down tasks works:
Transform big tasks into small action steps
A master chef, preparing to serve a big multi-course meal, wouldn’t attempt to cook everything at once.
If a sub-task still feels too big, break it down further. The tiniest action still equals progress.
Applications
- Prepping for an exam
Write down your learning goal, create an outline, find resources (books, courses, apps), create reading lists, make flashcards, solve practice problems, get feedback, and apply your new skills. - Planning a big event
Research activities, pick destination and dates, book the venue, send invitations, order supplies, and delegate tasks. - Starting an exercise routine
Write down your goal, choose exercises, get equipment/gym membership, schedule workouts, and track progress.
Bottom line
Stop letting big goals scare you into inaction. The secret is to shrink them down until they feel manageable. Take that first tiny step today. Then the next. Gradually, you’ll build unstoppable momentum. Those micro-actions will compound into your biggest achievements yet.
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