Recently I was on a conference call with a colleague and I heard a phrase that nearly stopped me in my tracks with how simple and profound it was. The hilarity and truth of it combined to remind of so much that gets forgotten in the business professional world.
Most of what happens in the business world (and life) is about managing the overwhelm that is occurring in each moment, in each day, in each week, etc. It seems there is a constant battle for maintaining clarity, direction and priorities. Indeed, this is one of the subjects that I discuss most with my clients. In fact, I’ve been having this conversation with a lot of people lately.
Here was the phrase I heard my colleague offer:
Question: How do you eat an elephant?
Really, I almost laughed out loud in the middle of the call. The answer is so obvious but when she asked the question I was at first rather stumped. But really the point is that this is exactly how so many people approach the feeling of overwhelm. At first they stare blankly, then they say “Ummmmm….what?” I’m sure you’ve had this experience before!
So what did my colleague offer as a solution?
Answer: One bite at a time.
I know, it’s rather obvious but even I missed it at first. The analogy here is that every problem whether it is small or large, seemingly easy or perceived to be insurmountable is approached in exactly the same way. You take small manageable steps and keep repeating over and over. But what exactly does that look like? Well let me give you a few suggestions.
If you are struggling with overwhelm and not sure how to tackle the solution begin by asking yourself these questions:
- What exactly is the problem I am facing?Start with understanding the components involved and specifically identifying each issue that you do not have an immediate answer for. As you work your way through creating a list you will likely discover that when faced with overwhelming circumstances there are general just a small number of issues that need answers. By identifying the actual problems or issues you can begin to immediately reduce the overwhelm as you discover how much of the answer you already know.
- Which issue seems most important or challenging and which one the least?This is a form or prioritization. In this case you are prioritizing the most difficult ones first. This will allow you to understand where the bulk of your time in finding answers might need to be focused. Once you know the hardest issues to address you will once again reduce the sense of overwhelm by knowing exactly where the hardest challenges will be.
- Which issue, when resolved, will have the greatest impact on resolving all other issues?This is perhaps the most important question in regards to managing overwhelm. Essentially you are looking for the “biggest bang for the buck” answer. When you know which elements can have the greatest impact on the solution you can combine this with the previous question and begin assessing your approach.
Once you have all these questions answered it is highly likely that your sense of overwhelm will be greatly reduced. You will also have the beginnings of a plan of attack!
The reminder of course is that even situations that seem overwhelming, oppressive or that dreaded word “impossible” have solutions. The solution, in just about every circumstance is still the same. You take one step forward, then another, then another constantly assessing where your time will create the greatest impact on the most important issues.
After that….eating the (proverbial) elephant won’t seem quite as intimidating!
