When I studied computer science in university, we learned about the divide-and-conquer algorithm. What this algorithm basically does is that it breaks down a larger problem into smaller sub-problems and each of those sub-problems are broken down into even smaller sub-problems.
You continue to break down all the sub-problems until you have a bunch of small and easily solvable problems - if you solve all of these small problems, then you've solved the main, bigger problem.
You can apply this same algorithm to your life and to your goals.
I find that many people have big dreams and big aspirations but when it comes time for them to actually start working on it, they stand there confused and unsure about which direction to take. The most common complaint they have is that they don't know where to start.
So how would you apply the divide-and-conquer algorithm?
First, state what it is that you want to accomplish - it could be a goal or it could be something you desire. Write it out on paper.
Then, think of three or more generalized things you could do to obtain that goal or desire - they don't have to be too specific.
Then for each of these generalized things, think of three or more things you would need to do or learn to accomplish it - keep breaking things down until you have a big list of things that are simple and easy to start.
I'll show you an example. Let's say it's more money you are after. Then think of three or more things you can do to make more money. For each of those three things, think of three or more things you would need to do to accomplish it. Then for each of those, think of three or more things you would need to do to accomplish that.
Click below to see a sample that I've created (sorry it's kind of cluttered - I had to hand draw it using Microsoft Paint):
From the above diagram, you can see that you now have a big list of 27 different smaller things you can do right now to start working on your goal (everything on the right hand side). You don't necessary have to stop there - if you think you can break something down even further, go for it...it'll make things a lot easier for you to manage and deal with.
If your goal is specific, you can also start your tree from that specific goal - in fact, it's probably better to do it that way. For example, if I knew I wanted to start an online business, I'd start the diagram with "Start An Online Business" instead of "Make More Money" on the left hand side.
You could do this with practically anything in life - find a soul mate, spend more time with the family, be more productive, even if you just want to be happy. Just start out by listing three or more things that can help you accomplish it, and then start breaking it down into smaller, easier, more manageable tasks.
So next time you have a goal or something you want to accomplish, apply the divide-and-conquer algorithm to it and you'll never have to say "I don't know where to start" ever again!
