Execution Strategies

In computer science there exists a term called 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 then 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 to your life or business?

Let me explain how by sharing a real life case study.

When Michael Jordan first retired from the NBA in 1999, he did so with an astonishing average of 31.5 points per game -- an NBA record.

In addition to being an incredible testament to Jordan’s skill as a basketball superstar, the record is a great indicator of his mental drive and determination.

No matter who the opponent was, Jordan got his 32 points every night for 13 years.

If you break it down and examine how Jordan achieved this incredible feat you have to embrace the philosophy of Divide and Conquer.

High achievers develop the ability to break their goals into manageable bite sized increments. It’s important to understand that large goals and overwhelming tasks are only intimidating when you look at them in totality.

The first step toward managing what seems unmanageable is to break each task into smaller increments, in other words divide the goal into morsels and conquer each task one at a time.

By focusing on the smaller objectives instead of the large whole, your tasks seem easier and your anxiety and blood pressure are certainly lowered.

One of life’s most important lessons is that a large goal consists of a bunch of smaller ones.

EVERY big goal or project can be reduced to a series of small jobs and activities.

This attitude and philosophical approach will help you to maximize your results in dramatic fashion.

You can do the same thing with time. Every day has 1,440 minutes. Assuming you need 8 hours or 480 minutes of sleep, you’re left with 960 minutes in which to achieve the goals you set for yourself in a given day.

Divide and conquer your day into manageable bites of between 15 and 30 minutes. Divide a task that’s likely to take an hour as consuming four 15-minute time increments and you will conquer your tasks in an orderly and results oriented manner.

So how did Michael Jordan divide and conquer his way to success, the answer is amazingly simple; he averaged 8 points per quarter (divide) and multiplied (conquered) his was into the record books and became a legend in the process!

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by Gary Ryan Blair in Execution |June 7th, 2009 |Comments: 9