No, I’m absolutely not proposing a new kind of Atkins diet where you eat elephants. Yuck! It’s a metaphor for accomplishing a big task. The answer is in small bites(and probably chew thoroughly) 🙂
Really what I am talking about is slowly achieving tasks, like:
- riding a bike,
- learning a language,
- public speaking
- training your body (or mind)
- developing a new skill.
When we do gradually invest time in an activity over a long period, we gradually build up our comfort level and learn easily, digestible chunks!
The first time you drove a car, you were scared, stiff movements but now getting in and driving is totally relaxed.
The same thing learning to ride a bike, at first you wobbled and weaved, but as you invested time, gradually it was something that no longer made you nervous at all. Hop on, and off!
The same for so many things, I have been in Toastmasters for 9 years, so stepping up to a lectern no longer makes my knees knock and that’s a good thing. That comfort didn’t arrive in a meeting, and I am still learning.
I checked the other day what 15 minutes of Headspace (my daily time spent in meditation) adds up to over time, I have done more than 27 hours of training myself to be more mindful, and that is in just 108 days or so.
I have no idea how many hours of spanish language training I have, I only spend 10 to 15 minutes a day but it must be adding up also. Yo no hablo espanol, but I am learning in digestible chunks.
Small bites daily, but they add up.
Can I look now?
But what about the other side of the coin? What about the cumulative waste of time I do? According to statistics, more than 49% of us watch too much tv. Some age groups are watching as much as 5 hours a day, how much does that add up to in a lifetime? Would you be shocked if I told you 13.5 years – gobsmacking isn’t it?
My challenge to myself is to spend less time in front of the box, and a little more time invested daily eating my elephants – learning new skills, encouraging deeper friendships, and being healthier, body, mind, and especially in my interpersonal relationships.
Confidence
Are you challenging yourself? What are you accomplishing in digestible chunks? and let’s agree to leave the elephants out of this.
Thank you very much for reading, enjoy your day.
Not just high heels, also kitten heels, tall boots, ballet flats, sneakers, pumps, wedges, oxfords, ankle boots, espadrilles, flat sandals, rain boots, and (deep breath) canvas sneakers.
Guys, make your wives happy – either diet and have abs you can shred cheese, or learn to construct shoe shelving that will make your lady drool!
