How do you step from the top of a 100-foot pole?

One of my biggest life lessons is to take one step at a time. It doesn't matter what situation I am faced with. I left my job and came back to study. The first year was challenging after not studying for so many years, however I managed to pass all the subjects.

On the second year, I was faced with a difficult situation where I got sick. I was away from varsity for more than a month. I couldn't attend lectures, write tests or submit assignments so I was behind with varsity work. When I came back I owed each lecturer either an assignment, test or both. I was doing eight (8) subjects. I had two A4 pages full of things to do. I felt like giving up and I didn't know where to start. It was the first time in my life, where I became depressed.

I had support from a very good friend of mine. She gave me hope, when I was in a dark place. I remember when she asked me, 'how do you eat an elephant?' I didn't understand what she was getting to and her answer was one bite at a time. I drew up a list of all the tests and assignments outstanding and as I submitted or wrote the tests I would cross them off my list. When the list had too many things crossed out, she told me to write a new list. Eventually I submitted all the assignments and wrote all the tests. I passed all eight subjects in that year.

In life when there are many things that need your attention, the best way to deal with these situations is to do one thing at a time. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step!