How to approach a "monster task" š¹
Writing the second edition of my book āPushbackā felt like climbing Mount Everest...Ā in flip-flops.
How's that for imagery? š But real talk: the experience I gained from writing the first edition back in 2012 didn't save me from the reality that 2.0 still demanded: major rewrites, fresh updates, and a new perspective on almost every page. Not to mention, I interviewed 20 new leaders as part of my researchāa massive time commitment on its own.Ā
There were moments I thought, "What did I get myself into?" The pressure to deliver something fresh, relevant, and even better than the first felt like an enormous weight on my shoulders. To say it felt overwhelming would be an understatement. There were days I literally felt handcuffed to my little-assignment-turned-tormenter!
But every time I felt like giving in, I reminded myself why I started in the first place:Ā to bring new stories and insights to life and to help others push back in their own lives.
I know Iām not aloneāthere are projects on your plate too, where the stakes feel high, and people are depending on you. But donāt let that sink your confidence. Instead, try leaning into these key strategies that kept me on track and (mostly) steady during my āmonster task.ā
Quick Confidence Tips for Tackling a "Monster Project" with Confidence
Embodied:Ā Keep your chest lifted and chin up. When a project feels like a beast, sometimes your body knows before your brain does. If you catch yourself slouching or shrinking into your chair, stand up for a moment and do a reset: strike a braver, fiercer poseāfeet shoulder-width apart, hands on hips, chin up. š¦ø It might feel a little silly, but this pose triggers a boost in testosterone (your confidence hormone) and reduces cortisol (your stress hormone). Itās like giving yourself a quick shot of confidence without the needles. So bring that heroic energy to your task - itās backed by science!
Mindset:Ā Shrink the beast.Ā Instead of staring down the whole project like itās a dragon about to roast you, break it into bite-sized tasks. Each small task builds momentum and chips away at that sense of overwhelm. As you go, praise your progress and celebrate small victories, no matter how minor they seem. With writing the second edition of my book, this meant giving myself a little reward at the completion of each chapter (sometimes a good dinner out, a hot fudge sundae, or just asking for a high-five from my family!) Remember, itās not about tackling everything at once; itās about making steady strides toward your goal. Think of it as cleaning out a cluttered houseāone box or one room at a time, with each step clearing the path ahead.
Interpersonal:Ā Phone a friend. Sometimes the best way to stay confident is to borrow someone elseās belief in you. Call a friend, mentor, or anyone whoās been in your corner before. Share what youāre working on and how daunting it feels. Odds are, theyāll remind you of your past victories and might even offer a fresh perspective or idea that lights your fire again. Plus, saying your fears out loud often makes them less scary. My author friends did this for me not once, not twice, but multiple times on myĀ PushbackĀ journey!
Big projects can feel like monsters, but youāve got what it takes to slay them. By tweaking your body language, reframing your mindset, and leaning on your support system, you can keep your confidence high and your progress consistent. So, the next time youāre facing down a massive task, rememberāif you know how to swim in 3 feet of water, then you know how to swim in 33 feet of water! And who knows? Maybe this time, you'll feel well-equipped, with the conditions in your favor.
Whatās one "monster task" youāre currently working on, and which of these strategies do you think would help the most? Share your thoughts belowāIād love to hear from you!
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