One of my favorite ways approach a difficult or complex task is to break it down into smaller, more manageable, bite-size pieces. A good friend of mine used to constantly remind me that, “inch by inch it's a cinch” when he saw I was frustrated by a particular task. The simple saying stuck with me the better part of my life and has helped me to accomplish tasks which I once thought were impossible.

It's very easy to look at a monumental task and to become overwhelmed by the sheer volume or complexity of work to be done. In the past I have even found myself giving up on certain tasks because I felt overwhelmed. In essence I had defeated myself before I even started.

The first step, of course, is to take the first step (“inch”). Don't let the size or complexity of the task discourage you from getting started. This is easy trap for any of us to fall into and we must avoid it at all costs.

Also don't get discouraged by thinking that your steps are too small. No matter how small your steps are, you must remember that if you keep taking them you will keep moving forward.

“Mile by mile it's a trial; yard by yard it's hard; but inch by inch it's a cinch.”  – Anonymous