I’ve been given some crazy assignments along the way. Some have involved government officials, law enforcement and bleach (that is a long story). When confronted with something new and feeling that panicky, “What do I do moment?” Here is what I do:
- Take some breaths. Not one breath, but four, and breathe from the belly.
- Count backwards from ten.
- Write down what I need to do and then break it down. Remember the saying, “how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!”
- If it’s not a crisis and I have time to reflect, I’ll go for a walk and meditate on the assignment.
- If it’s out of my wheelhouse, I’ll call some of the experts I know and pick their brains.
- I seek the advice of my teammates or people I have worked with in the past.
- When I start worrying, I start praying. I turn it over to a superpower.
- I’ll keep working on the assignment until it’s completed, not letting critics or negativity get me sidetracked. I show up, take the knocks, and am the honey badger of getting something over the line.
- I’ll ask someone in my posse to meet for a glass of wine. Someone who is not involved who can give clarity, provide humor, and help me think the problem through.
- I go to the High Museum or Atlanta Botanical Gardens to seek beauty and inspiration.