What's the best way to eat an elephant?... "One bite at a time"
This analogy is used over and over and generally heard in a group setting when a difficult, new, or challenging task is about to be presented. The intent is generally to lay the groundwork, to send the message – do the first thing, then the next, then the next!
Most of us take action and by focusing on these words, it helps us to realize what actions are relevant and most helpful. However, do we choose the wisest action for the situation? Purposeful action can only result from an accurate perception. It is only through taking consistent, purposeful actions that obstacles are dismantled. Purposeful action often requires courage, because the most effective actions are rarely the easiest.
Get Started
Theodore Roosevelt said that we either wear out or rust out. Getting busy is important. You cannot think an obstacle away. You have to start somewhere, so get started. Often, the best solutions will not present themselves until you make a few efforts.
You can only make progress if you’re doing something. Let’s review three steps that may help:
1. Realize that getting started is often the hardest part.
- Whether it’s cleaning out the shed, doing your income taxes, or solving world hunger, nothing happens until you take action. In most cases, sooner is better than later.
- Ask questions that are actionable to get behavior on track.
2. Keep moving.
- How many times have you started with great enthusiasm, only to quit after a short period? A little progress can be a dangerous thing. It’s easy to become excited after taking those first few steps, but overcoming obstacles requires ongoing effort.
Do something each day to move beyond your challenge. Once you have a small amount of momentum, avoid allowing it to slip away. Keep pressing.
- Keep thinking while you’re moving. You can walk and chew gum at the same time. You can think and plan while you’re taking action.
- Set a time limit to focus on a task. This process will help you not get overwhelmed by the entire project.
- It’s easy to be busy and get little accomplished. Look around your workplace. Most employees have the routine down to a science. Keep your head down, shuffle some papers, check email while no one is watching, and wait until 5 o’clock.
When did you last put your best effort into anything? We're so used to operating at 10%, we've forgotten what 100%, or even 50%, feels like anymore.
- Providing you’re taking purposeful action, an increase in effort will increase your results proportionately.
- Understand that the circumstances will never be perfect. There will always be some aspect of the current situation that is less than ideal. The fact that you are not 100% ready is not a viable excuse for failing to take action.
5. Review results to improve, not perfection.
- No process works perfectly the first time. Even if we are pleased, we want to better the next time. Consider how far the device in your pocket has changed since it came on the scene. Smartphones are now computers, not simply a phone.
- Identify what worked.
- Identify what didn’t work.
- Next, what will you do differently?
Momentum is self-created. Get started so you can get finished.
