Like many of you, I’ve faced times when life’s difficulties seem insurmountable. During these moments, I’ve learned that the most effective approach is to focus on taking one step at a time.
Eating an Elephant
When I first heard, “How do you eat an Elephant? One bite at a time,” I thought it was a strange proverb. But in the midst of hardship, I realized the vitality of this perspective. It’s not about rushing to fix everything at once; it’s about breaking down what feels overwhelming into manageable pieces.
Trunk-ated Advice
With that said, here are some lessons, in short form, I’ve learned from loss, health struggles, and moments of feeling overwhelmed that I believe can help us all:
1. Break down the challenge. Instead of being paralyzed by the enormity of a problem, focus on what you can do today. As author Leo Babauta puts it, "the secret to getting ahead is getting started.” Every small action adds up to progress.
2. Acknowledge you’re overwhelmed; then move forward. It’s natural to feel stuck or discouraged. Recognize those feelings without judgment; then choose to take the next small step. As psychologist Carl Jung said, "in all chaos, there is a cosmos, in all disorder a secret order.” Trust that movement is possible, even in chaos.
3. Reach out and connect. When life feels heavy, reaching out to others can bring us clarity and strength. Even a simple smile or kind word can create ripples of positivity. As Helen Keller famously said, “alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
4. Practice patience and grace. Everyone faces personal battles. Extending patience to ourselves and others fosters resilience. As author Brené Brown reminds us, “vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.” Showing patience and kindness opens the door to growth—both for ourselves and those we care for.
How We Respond
Our power lies in how we choose to respond—by taking one step, however small, and trusting that each step will lead us forward.
This approach is at the heart of great patient care. When we remember to take things one step at a time—listening patiently, breaking down complex challenges, and showing grace—we not only help our patients see more clearly but also foster trust, resilience, and hope. The smallest acts—listening, reassuring, guiding—can have the greatest impact, leading our patients through their own journeys of healing, one step at a time.
Whether in our personal lives or in caring for others, taking things one step at a time helps us move forward with purpose and hope. OM
