Mostly we learn important life lessons from experiences. Great learners also learn by observing role models.

First time I recall the experience of “divide and conquer” was as a cub scout. I wanted to pass a test as a “collector”; there were many possibilities and in my case it was a collection of stamps. The collection included thousands of stamps and the task of re-organizing them according to the guidelines was daunting. I created a smaller collection with animals as a theme and passed the test.  The re-organization of the subset could have been a first step to change the organization of the collection; instead I realized that this was not something I enjoyed and stopped collecting. 

I learned that sometimes you are better off focusing on a subset of a challenge and doing it well; and then take on the next challenge.

In general:

• What do you want to achieve?
• What would it take?
• Can you split up the challenge? In time and/or among resources? (note: multiple resources may allow you to do steps in parallel)
• What are your success criteria?
• Then is it still worth your effort?
• Do it!
• Reflect on what you learned.
  

The success criteria was easy in the specific case. In general I wonder if we focus enough on articulating it; and do we reflect sufficiently if it is worth our resources?  As an individual; in our family; in teams - do you?