How to Eat an Elephant

I recently returned from a wonderful vacation in the U.S. I spent some time with my family, visited some friends, and spent three weeks in Alaska, climbing Mt. McKinley. Mt. McKinley, or Denali, is the highest mountain in North America. Before I started the climb, I asked a climber who had just flown off the mountain if he had any last-minute advice. "Climb one day at a time," he said wisely.

Our lead guide, who has six summits of Mt. Everest, reinforced this sage advice when he asked us, "How do you eat an elephant?" The answer, of course, is "One bite at a time." I'm taking this for granted, because I have never eaten an elephant, nor do I plan to. It made me think, however, that we all have our own "elephants" to eat. Sometimes it is best to remind ourselves to "eat" them one bite at a time.

Our unforgettable climb began at 7,200 feet where we arrived by aircraft at the Kahiltna glacier. The thought of ascending to 20,320 over a distance of about 15 miles (somewhat steep) was a little daunting that first day. After 5 days, we had only reached 11,000 feet but had covered more than half of the horizontal distance. This meant that the remaining elevation gain would be quite rapid. It was important to travel slowly, both for acclimatization purposes and to become stronger rather than weaker as the climb continued.

We reached the summit 13 days after we landed on the mountain. At times we traveled no faster than 1/4 mile per hour, breathing at a rate of 2-3 breaths per step as the amount of available oxygen gradually diminished. There were times when I thought I could only take one more step. So I would take it, and then I'd take one more, and one more, until I had climbed for two more hours.

Every day I stayed focused on that day. I didn't think about all the climbing that lay ahead, just what my task for that day was. At the beginning of each day, I knew I could do what had to be done, whereas if I thought too far ahead, I might have doubted my ability to finish.

ACTIVITY

What is the elephant in your life? Do you have a task that you have been putting off because it seems to big too tackle? What about a change you want to make in your life that would require time, patience and courage?

Write down at the top of a sheet of paper what it is that you want to do. Make a timeline for completion, and break the task into smaller, less intimidating steps. Continue breaking the task down until you think you can manage each individual step.

Now start eating that elephant!

If you would like some support "eating your elephant," please don't hesitate to send me an email!

Jenni Fogle, Personal Coach http://www.vitaricca.com

Please email jennifogle@vitaricca.com to subscribe to my free monthly newsletter or for more information about how coaching can enrich your life!

---

8 Super Ways To Avoid Procrastination

We are all guilty of delaying what needs to be... Read More

5 Ways to Fight Pessimism

Some people are naturally pessimistic and are happy... Read More

Victorious Living

How are things going for you? Are you sitting on... Read More

What Once Was - Ain?t No More

Rather than beat around the bush and try to lead... Read More

What If I Fall Flat On My Face?

I hope you do. Sounds awful, I know. But I... Read More

How to Make it Big In Spite of Your Challenges

Imagine for a moment it's five years from now and... Read More

Motivation By Kicking Butt

Some people respond to being yelled at and even sworn... Read More

Remember, Worse Things Can Happen At Sea, So..... Dont Ever Quit!

Throughout the many pages of scores of motivational books, with... Read More

That One Thing That Guarantees Your Unlimited Motivation And Success

What can you do when you do not feel like... Read More

Make The Most Of Today

"Look at a day when you are supremely satisfied at... Read More

The Missing Piece

Have you ever tried putting a puzzle together, only to... Read More

ABCs for High Achievers

A im for what you want by focusing clearly on... Read More

Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

It is not just new age hype, studies in the... Read More

Habit Change--Six Steps to Success

As every New Year approaches, many of us are doing... Read More

Moving Past Your Comfort Zone

We all gravitate toward what we feel most comfortable doing.... Read More

Motivation By Consequences

In 2004 seven badly behaved teenagers were sent to a... Read More

Anxiety & Panic ? Make Your Information Work for You

Whether you suffer from anxiety and panic attacks or not,... Read More

Your Growing Edge

You've probably heard the term "leading edge" used to refer... Read More

Self-Improvement-Inspiration: How to Exit Your Own Rat Race

We can all get in a rut from time to... Read More

The Power Of Purpose

The manifestations of motiveA man is captive within himself. He... Read More

Gaining Wisdom

Wisdom eludes me. The more I learn, the less I... Read More

Do More! Learn More! Create More! Live More!

Over the years in America and the west generally, the... Read More

Life Doesnt Have A Sell By Date

Or does it?Best on or before?.. Nearly everything we touch... Read More

Taking The Leap

Every four years, February gives us a whole 24 hours... Read More

Pushing Through Your Comfort Zone

Our greatest growth in life comes from pushing through our... Read More

Who Is Stuart Goldsmith?

'Stuart Goldsmith? Who is Stuart Goldsmith?' you may be asking.I... Read More

Half Dome, A Story About Your Future Success

The physical journey mirrors very accurately the spiritual journey of... Read More

The Ripple Effect: Small Steps Lead to Big Results

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not... Read More

Contemplating Change And Moving Into Action

Do you ever have the sense that there has to... Read More

Just Do It!

If you run a business like I do, you probably... Read More

Its Not Your Fault

Have you ever wondered what's really holding you back from... Read More

Get Negativity Out Of Your Life!

They say that the way to have a positive attitude... Read More

Do Yourself A Favor--Forgive

"Holding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with... Read More