Bite-Sized Ambitions

The problem with many of our resolutions and undertakings, even if they are measurable and specific, is that the sheer magnitude of the objective may be overwhelming. Losing 80lbs, reinventing your business model, running a marathon, paying off $120k in student loans ... these are great goals, but not only does their enormity make them intimidating, it also creates the illusion that today doesn’t matter. Combined, these two factor create a huge hurdle to even begin the process, much less build meaningful momentum. If I need to pay off six figures in debt, does it really matter if I get on a budget this instant? Can’t I just wait until tomorrow or next week?

This is why we must break down our goals and objectives into manageable, bite-sized pieces. This does two things for us. One, it makes the process and commitment seem at least feasible. And two, it creates significance for today and every day going forward.

For example, if you meet with a financial planner and learn you will need $2,000,000 to retire comfortably at 60 years old, that is overwhelming. However, let’s say they also explain, that based on your current age and investment choices, you will need to save an additional $600 a month to get there. Okay, while that may not be easy, it’s at least a task you can wrap you mind around. Plus, it creates the opportunity for small victories along the way. Every month in which $600 is saved is a battle won as part of a much larger conquest. But also, it creates significance and importance for every single day. To save an extra $600 month and end up with $2m at retirement, you will need to find $20 a day to throw at this thing. Every day matters.

Even prospective Navy SEALs take this approach in the SEAL selection process called BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition- Seals). BUD/S has been referred to as a lifetime of pain and challenges condensed into six months. Its brutal nature creates an astonishingly high dropout rate, but the ones who finish are often those who manage to not worry about the next six months. They focus on the next evolution of obstacles, making it to the next meal, or simply finishing the next mile. They break down the entire grueling, overwhelming six months into small, manageable pieces. They may have to run hundreds of more miles and do thousands of more pull-ups and push-ups, but they only focus on the one in front of them, and in that, they fully commit to the process.

Just remember, the best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time.

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