We are often overawed by a big problem and unsure of our plans. We are afraid to take even the first step towards the solution. Remember, the first step taken is half the work done. Try to solve the problem one step at a time. You might not find the entire solution right in the beginning, because the future is always uncertain and new situations keep unfolding all the time.

Take the one best step that you can take today. As you move ahead in time, the road will start becoming more and more clear and new solutions will come up. If you do not move, you may miss the opportunities that are lying in wait for you. So do not be afraid of taking the first step. The road may be long and the journey may be tiring. So what? No one ever died from hard work alone!

Adopting this method for solving problems has two fundamental advantages. The first is that doing this exercise clarifies your thoughts about your problems. It clears confusion in the mind. Such an exercise helps in evaluating the causes and consequences of a problem, in crystallising our vague notions and fears and, finally, in transforming the problem into a rational action plan.

Working on this action may help you solve the problem. The second advantage is that even if the problem is not solved, your attention is at least diverted from the problems to the solutions. There are genuine and material problems in this world that have no immediate or easy solutions. — The 4-Lane Expressway to Stress Management