Simply stated, cognitive load is a principle that describes the amount of energy your brain exerts during a given task. The more familiar you are with the task, the lower the cognitive load and vice versa. For example, a college professor teaching calculus for the 20th time has a low cognitive load. However, the poor souls taking the class for the first time who have never cracked a calculus book are experiencing a high cognitive load.
It's easy for a decision or goal to become overwhelming. Without clarity and achievable steps, we become stuck, frustrated and eventually give up. The cognitive load is too high and we begin to believe a specific goal is no longer achievable. In order to lower the load and build forward momentum you need to gain clarity. In order to gain clarity you need to understand your "how."
There are two types of "hows," the "lateral" and the "deep how." A "lateral how" offers the first step towards a goal. "How are you going to pass calculus?" "By studying regularly." But, the "Deep How" drills down into any answer, consecutively asking "how" until identifying a step that can be taking today or tomorrow. "Tonight from 7:00-8:00 I will review chapter one." The first is ambiguous with a low probability of implementation. The second is crystal clear and has a high probability of completion.
Thinking back to the previous two post regarding your "Why" and "What," use the "Deep How" to drill down into your answers. Don't stop asking "how" until you find something you can do today or tomorrow.
PS. Aren't you glad you don't have calculus homework?