How do you eat an elephant?

We’ve all consciously or unconsciously asked ourselves this question at one point or another in our life.

Since you’ve probably never actually had to chow down on an elephant (hopefully), the elephant in this question represents a task which seems too daunting to complete, too considerable to overcome. So tremendous in fact, that you don’t even know where to start.

So the question should be:

How am I ever going to achieve this really big task that I have at hand or complete this monstrous goal I’ve set for myself?

The answer is quite simple actually – Small Actions compounded with Time make anything and everything possible.

Sort of like an algebra equation where your REALLY BIG GOAL (RBG) is equal to SMALL ACTIONS (SA), completed over a period of TIME (T).

RBG = SA x T

Not just random Small Actions (SA) though, they need to have a mapped out Purpose (P) – and that P is to accomplish your RBG.

 Suddenly things fall into perspective and we ask ourselves one key question – What is the Next Logical SA that can I take today that brings me closer to accomplishing my RBG?

For Algebra buffs, here’s what we have at this stage:

    \[ RBG=\frac{SA*T}{P} \]

In life, business or any other sphere of your life, this formula applies.

What is the first logical step to making a turkey sandwich?

Check the fridge for your available ingredients. Next, remove bread from the bag and lay it on the counter. Next, spread mayonnaise on bread…. And so on.

Some small hiccups may happen along the way, maybe the tomatoes have gone bad and you only notice this once you cut them opened. Then, substitute with pickles. Your goal is still to make a sandwich. Remember, Small Actions (SA) driven by a Purpose (P) over Time (T) can achieve virtually anything.

With our new year’s resolutions (RBG) behind us, it’s really important we remind ourselves what RBG’s we set and ask ourselves, are we taking the correct SA’s to achieve our RBG?

Maybe you want to run a marathon, then start with a brisk one KM walk.

Maybe you want to read 10 books this year. Start with the first word on the first page of your first book. Over time, you will complete the book and start a second… and a third…. And by the end of the year, you’ll have achieved your RBG, one SA at a T.

So, how do you eat an elephant…?


One. Bite. At. A. Time.