How to Eat an Elephant

(Without Losing Your Mind or Quitting at Bite #3)

Let’s be honest...big goals can feel downright paralyzing.

Whether you’re staring down a major career pivot, trying to clean out the basement you’ve been avoiding since 2019, or simply figuring out what’s next in this wild season of life… it’s easy to get stuck in overwhelm.

I’ve been there. I remember sitting in my office with a million ideas for my coaching business swirling in my head… and zero clue where to start. My to-do list was a mile long: build a website, figure out my niche, post on social media, maybe write a book? I had a certification, a dream, and a deep desire to help women, but I also had a stressful day job, life was busy and a tiny inner voice whispering, “Who do you think you are?”

It felt like too much. I was overwhelmed, frozen, and seriously questioning if I should just stay in my cozy corner of comfort instead.

That’s when my coach looked at me and said, Carrie......How do you eat an elephant? I paused. Blinked. “What?”

At first, I was like… who’s out here eating elephants? But after a minute, the metaphor hit. Hard.

Because here’s the deal: most of us try to take on the whole damn elephant in one bite. And when that doesn’t work (spoiler: it never does), we tell ourselves we’re failing. We spiral. We Netflix. We endlessly scroll. We nap. We do everything but taking one step in the right direction. Instead, we convince ourselves that we are crazy for even trying.

What's really happening? We’re just trying to eat too much, too fast, and without a fork.

Let’s talk about what actually works when you’re staring down your own elephant.

Step 1:  Take a breath. Then another.

Before you do anything, pause. Deep breath in. Deep breath out. You’re not behind. You’re not doomed. You’re just human. And humans need oxygen and perspective before action.

Step 2:  Zoom out. What’s the point of this elephant, anyway?

Ask yourself:

• What’s the actual goal here?

• What does “done” look like?

• Who is this for (you, someone else, your future self)?

• Why does it matter?

Getting clear on your “why” turns dread into drive. (Not overnight, but faster than panic will.)

Step 3:  Slice that elephant into snacks.

Now the fun part. You get to break it down into doable chunks.

• What’s step one? (Like, seriously the smallest step you can think of.)

• Which pieces can be knocked out in 20 minutes?

• What needs support from someone else?

• Where do you tend to get stuck?

• What part of this is actually just a decision you’ve been avoiding?

Hint: If a task still feels overwhelming, it’s just not broken down enough.

Step 4: Count the cost (time, energy, sanity).

Before you commit to the whole thing, be honest:

• How long is this gonna take?

• How much energy do I actually have right now?

• What else do I need to pause to make space for this?

• Who do I need to bring into my life to help me?

It’s not about hustling harder, it’s about being smart with your focus. You can’t eat an elephant and train for a marathon and launch a business and keep everyone in your house fed and happy without burning out.

Prioritization is key.

If you're not good at it, find someone who can help you!

Step 5: Take the first bite. Just one.

And no, you don’t need to “feel ready.” You just need to move. No one ever really feels ready.

Progress beats perfection. Start where you are, use what you have, and for the love of elephants—just start.

Five Real Talk Reminders for Your Elephant-Eating Journey:

1. Stop saying yes to every elephant.

   You don’t need to tackle every big dream right now. Choose the ones that matter most and put the rest in the “not-yet” pile.
   

2. Expect roadblocks. They’re not personal.

   You’ll hit setbacks. You’ll doubt yourself. That’s part of the deal. Think ahead about what might trip you up, and plan for it like a boss.
   

3. Find your accountability crew.

   Share your goal with someone who’ll cheer you on and call you out when you start hiding in the pantry again. Accountability = momentum.
   

4. Set deadlines (and stick to them).

   Goals without dates are just wishes. Give yourself structure and celebrate those milestones like you just crossed a finish line.
   

5. The last 10% is the hardest.

   This is when most people quit. You’re tired, it’s not shiny anymore, and the couch looks really good. Keep going anyway. That last bite? That’s the one that changes your life.

So if you’re sitting there staring at your elephant—whether it’s a big decision, a career shift, a relationship conversation, or a mountain of clutter—just remember:

You don’t have to do it all today.

Just start with one super small bite (think one tiny olive-on-a-toothpick) action step that gets the momentum rolling.”

Now grab a fork, friend. You’ve got this.

Want help tackling your own elephant (without the burnout, shame-spiraling, or all-or-nothing pressure)? Let’s chat. I coach help beautifully burnt-out, over-extended, heart-driven women who are done spinning their wheels and ready to move with clarity and confidence.

Book a Discovery Call now to get started.