Tackling big problems can be downright difficult. Sometimes just the sheer size of the challenge is enough to scare off would-be problem solvers.

Gigantic tasks, however, require looking at things from a different vantage point.

Most of us have heard a simple, but apt phrase often used by people aiming to motivate a team.

Question: How do you eat an elephant?

Answer: One tiny bite at a time.

The rather silly saying contains a big nugget of truth. Big tasks can be handled by going at the problem one small morsel at a time.

We see a good example of needing to apply a bit of this logic to an ongoing, much-discussed problem in downtown Natchez — a need for more parking.

Actually, the need is not just for more parking, but for more convenient — more centralized, if you will — parking.

The City of Natchez is planning on utilizing a corner of the Natchez Convention Center property to build a small, supplemental lot to offset the need. That’s a good move and one that’s taking a small bite out of the problem.

Unfortunately, many, many other bites remain. The City needs to confront the parking problems head-on. Let’s get some ideas moving and challenge downtown businesses to help think outside the box.

Together, with each of us taking a small bite, the “elephant” downtown will be gone in no time.