I have a tendency to jump into big projects without counting the cost. In some ways, that’s good or I might end up getting a little too overwhelmed to even try.
When I get in the middle of something, I often need to give myself pep talks. The most effective boost always comes when I ask myself one specific question: “How are you eating this elephant? One bite at a time.”
For me, 2012 was a year of huge projects – completely redoing our house before we could move in, moving all the boxes and unpacking all of them by myself, writing and launching First Bites. There were plenty of days and nights I felt exhausted, but I didn’t want to lose out on the progress I already made – so I kept going.
I’m thankful for those finished projects, because they’re helping motivate me for 2013. I don’t have many plans that are overwhelming. But I’m starting out with a simple hope to organize and purge my home. That’s it. The day after Christmas I got the cleaning bug and devoted a week to organizing our home. What I have left are the really awful parts – my basement and garage.
I’m choosing to take small bites of this filthy elephant every single day. I may only get to sort through one box – but it’s one less box I’ll have to sort tomorrow. I hope that by the time the weather warms up this spring, I’ll have one decluttered, streamlined basement.
(Not to forget last year’s work, I’m also working my way through my second eBook – hopefully it will be released this spring. Woo hoo! A clean basement AND another eBook!?)
How is this green?
So how in the world can we turn all of this task-mastery talk of elephants into something green and healthy? Simple. Your New Year’s resolutions may be something very different than decluttering – maybe you’d like to start exercising more often. Or eating healthier foods. Or making nontoxic, environmentally friendly choices for your family.
I have good news for you – you can do it! God didn’t give us a spirit of timidity, friends, but one of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7). Use that power and self-discipline. You may be starting to nibble your elephant’s ear. Or maybe you’re getting to the chewy middle. Whatever you’re doing, keep at it! You can’t expect to notice a bunch of major differences overnight. Make your small changes. Over time, those little, healthy choices will add up. Keep going and before long, you’ll eat your elephant. I promise.
Talk back
What are some of the major projects you hope to tackle this year? How are they going so far?
Do you know an expectant of first-time parent? Help them navigate the first year of feeding their baby with my eBook, First Bites: How To Instill Healthy Eating Habits During Your Baby’s First Year.
Today, I’m linking up with:
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