How to approach a "monster task" 👹

Writing the second edition of my book “Pushback” felt like climbing Mount Everest... in flip-flops.

How's that for imagery? 😅 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 research—a massive time commitment on its own. 

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: to bring new stories and insights to life and to help others push back in their own lives.

I know I’m not alone—there are projects on your plate too, where the stakes feel high, and people are depending on you. But don’t let that sink your confidence. Instead, try leaning into these key strategies that kept me on track and (mostly) steady during my “monster task.”

Quick Confidence Tips for Tackling a "Monster Project" with Confidence

1. Embodied: 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 pose—feet shoulder-width apart, hands on hips, chin up. 🦸 It might feel a little silly, but this pose triggers a boost in testosterone (your confidence hormone) and reduces cortisol (your stress hormone). It’s like giving yourself a quick shot of confidence without the needles. So bring that heroic energy to your task - it’s backed by science!

2. Mindset: Shrink the beast. Instead of staring down the whole project like it’s 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, it’s not about tackling everything at once; it’s about making steady strides toward your goal. Think of it as cleaning out a cluttered house—one box or one room at a time, with each step clearing the path ahead.

3. Interpersonal: Phone a friend. Sometimes the best way to stay confident is to borrow someone else’s belief in you. Call a friend, mentor, or anyone who’s been in your corner before. Share what you’re working on and how daunting it feels. Odds are, they’ll 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 my Pushback journey!

Big projects can feel like monsters, but you’ve 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 you’re facing down a massive task, remember—if 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.

What’s one "monster task" you’re currently working on, and which of these strategies do you think would help the most? Share your thoughts below—I’d love to hear from you!