Do You Know How to Eat an Elephant? Day 13 of the Total Writer Transformation

In order to raise hope and inspire his troops during a particularly tough battle at war, a General gave a speech which included the now famous phrase, "the best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time."

This phrase is now used as universal motivation for large or seemingly impossible tasks. Businesses and entrepreneurs alike incorporate the solution. By "taking one bite at a time," you are breaking the project up into smaller, easily done pieces, so it is not so intimidating. You still have to accomplish the whole thing, but by doing little bits at a time you have a feeling of accomplishment and it does not seem so imposing. Simply by changing perspective and looking at the smaller pieces that make up the whole, you will not be so overwhelmed and the project feels more "doable." This subconsciously raises your productivity level and morale, allowing an easier completion of the task.

Take the last two days for me. I have been overwhelmed by a number of unfavorable events caving in at me all at once. All negative, all adverse, and all brought upon me by forces beyond my control. I have been dealing with all of these at once, plus my normal daily activities such as earning a living and raising a family. Two days ago I had a nervous breakdown. Because I have felt overwhelmed by the sheer size of the obstacles, I have been attacking them at their full size in a desperate attempt to eradicate them as quickly as possible. But I am just one small human so I was crushed. Had I had the foresight to break them up into digestible pieces, I would have been able to slice the monsters at their Achilles and still have energy to continue battling. But the subsequent burn-out was so severe I suffered physical complications and could not accomplish even one little thing.

I tell you what: I learned my lesson. No matter the obstacle, no matter the size, if you break it down you can conquer and accomplish anything!

Examples

You have a career changing project due by Friday. When things are large sometimes we don't know where to begin. By breaking up the to-do's and making a list you take control and have tasks that can be accomplished. Monday: research. Tuesday: outline. Wednesday: type rough draft, etc.

Writing a novel is a big task that leaves many manuscripts gathering dust. But by breaking it up into do-able pieces- say 800 words per night or 30 minutes per day. Or outline by this Friday and character descriptions by next Friday then first chapter by the Friday after- you set yourself up for success.

Spring cleaning and organizing is an often put off project. Break it up into small chunks by focusing on one room at a time.

Do you know how to eat an elephant?

One bite at a time.

Today's Challenge

As a writer, what have you been putting off? What feels so daunting? Decide what it is you want to accomplish and break it up into small, easily accomplished tasks. Make a list and post it where you will see it every day. Be sure to cross off each task as you complete it- it's amazing how satisfying crossing things off a list can feel!

Images via Creative Commons

Be a Better Writer in Just One Month! Join the 31 Day Writing Challenge to transform your writing and your life!

Day 1 The Truth About Making Time For Writing
Day 2 How to Incorporate Ideas From Life in Your Writing
Day 3 Master the Art of Captivating Your Readers
Day 4 Banishing Distractions
Day 5 Get Your Writing Noticed!
Day 6 The Importance of Morning Pages
Day 7 Why You Should Write Even if You're Not a Writer
Day 8 How to Personify an Object
Day 9 How to Use Writing Prompts to Improve Your Skills
Day 10 Why You Need an Email List
Day 11 There is a Best Time to Write!
Day 12 Your Future Path

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