There is a favorite question I love which I ask myself of almost daily. It goes like this….
Question: How do you eat an elephant?
Answer: One bite at a time.
Now you might be asking yourself what about eating an elephant has anything to do with goal setting or project planning or even daily activities. And I would answer…. “Oh dear, friend. More than you can ever imagine.” What I love most about this sentiment is that it reminds us that any job is possible even something as big as eating a huge elephant. The trick is to only focus on one step (or bite) at a time.
Feeling overwhelmed by a big project? Start here……
I totally get the feeling of being overwhelmed by a big project. It is terrifying when you don’t know where to start, what the first step is or even how to begin. In fact, the daunting job of actually taking that first step often stops people from even trying a big dream or fantastic idea. But NEVER let that fear stop you again. All you need to do is start. You don’t need to have all the answers. In fact, you don’t even need to know if the project will come to be. All you do need to do is take one small step forward. The tip I am going to share with you makes taking that first step easy.
My Secret to Success
Now here’s where I share the juicy stuff. The simple technique I use to get so much done everyday. I call it the “10 Minute Rule”. For any project or job or chore that is weighing on my mind, I choose to dedicate just 10 minutes each day to it until it’s complete. I set the timer on my phone and get to work committing to do nothing in those 10 minutes except the task at hand. I don’t pick up a phone call. I don’t grab a snack. I don’t even check Facebook (gasp).
What is great about the 10 Minute Rule is that it can fit into anyone’s schedule. Have kids at home? Great – do it during nap time. Work 40+ hrs a week? Try to knock out your 10 minute chore as soon as you get home or right before bed. I would challenge anyone to say that they don’t have at least 600 seconds to spare at some point throughout the day.
Let Those 10 Minutes Add Up
What is so magical about this trick is that those 10 minutes really add up. Setting aside a dedicated time daily can lead to some big results. It can make the impossible possible and allow you to accomplish more than you ever dreamed of. And, if your 10 minutes are up and you want to work more, go for it! Follow that momentum wave right on through!
Here are some things I have accomplished following the 10 Minute Rule
Compiled my taxes (lots of expenses with business and stuff – huge, not-so-fun job)
Organized the photos and videos saved to my computer
Decluttered my entire house
Kept up with one of my passions – scrapbooking
Started a blog (yes, in just 10 minutes a day)
Began the process of publishing a daily journal along with two close friends
Organized freezer meal workshops
Got all my paperwork and finances in order
Downloaded all my compact discs to Itunes
Finished all three kiddos baby books
What’s Weighing on Your Mind
I challenge you to ask yourself what’s weighing on your mind. What keeps nagging you? What task do you always tell yourself “you really need to get done”? Whatever that is, approach it using this secret trick. If not, you may never find the energy or time to do it otherwise.
As always… dream BIG and know that anything is possible…. you just need 10 minutes a day to make it come true!
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