Chapter 1: Understanding Chunking

Every puzzle consists of individual pieces, and similarly, each goal is comprised of small, manageable tasks. In the summer of 2015, I attended an orientation for my accelerated Microbiology course. This class is already challenging during a standard 12-week semester, but the summer session compressed it into just 8 weeks, making it even more intense.

The stakes were high; failing to earn an A would delay my major application by an entire year. I was determined not to waste any time. As the professor outlined our weekly assignments—daily readings of 55 pages, journal assignments of 32 pages, lab hours, and lecture requirements—I felt overwhelmed. After listening to the growing list for about two minutes, I stepped outside, gripped by panic.

Thoughts raced through my mind: “This is unfeasible; I’ll have to drop out and end up working at Kohl's again.” After taking a few deep breaths and pacing, I returned to class. The assignments felt like a daunting mountain, but when I broke them down, it became clearer that the workload was about 2-3 hours of effort outside of class and another 2-3 hours inside, five days a week.

By concentrating on the manageable tasks I needed to complete each day rather than fixating on the larger goal, the journey became much more manageable. Focusing on the small steps I could take daily allowed me to eventually conquer what once seemed like an insurmountable challenge.

When pursuing your goals, it’s common to feel a lack of discipline due to the enormity of the task at hand. Instead of trying to lift an entire mountain, focus on lifting your feet. For instance, I dedicated over 70 hours to writing this book, but rather than stressing about the end result, I concentrated on what I could realistically accomplish in just two hours a day.

Application Step:

Trying to sprint up a mountain is a recipe for failure. Instead, concentrate on what you can achieve today. It may take months or even years, but with perseverance, you will reach the summit.

The first video, "Achieving Big Goals with Small Steps" by Mark Steel, discusses how taking small, consistent actions can lead to significant achievements.

Section 1.1: Practical Application

Identify your two primary goals. Break them down into smaller, actionable steps that can be tackled daily. Consistency is key to long-term success.

Subsection 1.1.1: Keeping Momentum

Chapter 2: Embracing the Journey

By adopting the principle of chunking, you can transform daunting goals into achievable tasks, ensuring that you remain motivated and focused on your path to success.