Slightly Closer to the Goal

The instructions: a journey of a 1000 yards begins with a single step tell how to reduce the size of the problem. The problem is how to cross the parking lot. Divide the problem into two parts: a single step, and the rest of the distance. After taking a single step, the problem is slightly smaller.

Now you reduce the size of the smaller problem by dividing it into two parts: a single step and the new remaining distance. Keep doing this. Soon the problem has been reduced to a single step and no remaining distance.

Now, take the last step. You have solved the problem and are at the Mall. Yay! Time to go shopping!