I'm sure you've heard the question, "How do you eat an elephant?"  When I first heard this question, I was perplexed as to how such a massive serving of animal could be completely finished.  After considering the possibilities, and discovering no solution, my response was, "How?"  The answer, "One bite at a time.", made complete sense.  How could something so large, be consumed in one bite?

When considering large projects or major life plans/challenges, keep the answer to that question in mind.  There is an add-on to this answer.  When considering a large project, a major goal, or any other undertaking, it's important to not allow the size of the thing to overwhelm you.  Prioritize.  Prioritizing is a common denominator among those who are successful.  As Stephen Covey has written, we need to take, "First Things First".  Here are some ideas for setting priorities: 

• Break down large projects, goals, or tasks into smaller bites/tasks.
• Make a list of what needs to be done.
• Prioritize your list by using a rating system:  A=Urgent & Important, B=Important, & C=Not Important
• Write a new to-do list every day, and prioritize it.  Items left from the previous list take priority over new items, unless there have been project/goal changes.
• When an item on your list has been completed, line through it.  Don't place a check next to it.  Place a heavy line through the item (so you can no longer easily read it).  This keeps the eye from reading it each time you go over your list of remaining to-dos.
• Only add items that will contribute toward completion of the project.
• Always add a daily stretch goal.  Challenge yourself to go further than you thought possible.  This helps you go beyond previously set limitations, and when the stretch goals are reached, you have a greater sense of accomplishment.
• You will eventually get to the Not Important items, but only after more important items have been completed.

Don't let the magnitude of a project, situation, goal, or task overwhelm you.  Break it into smaller pieces, prioritize, make a list of to-dos, and get started.  Before you know it, you'll be well on your way to project completion, management of the challenge, or goal achievement.