How to tackle a task you have never done?

Something that I learned in my years of corporate life is to never come up with ideas for your management because it will end up being your next task. In my case, it was something that I had never done before.

Tackling a task, you’ve never done before can be intimidating, but with the right approach, you can conquer it successfully. “How hard can it be?” should be the go-to mindset. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate uncharted territory with confidence:

1. Pre-Task Preparation ( Coffee): Start your day with five cups of coffee. Your coworkers might worry, but you know it’s just the required fuel for embarking on a new task. Who needs sleep when you have caffeine-induced enlightenment?

2. Break It Down: Spend a good 30 minutes contemplating the task while stroking your chin dramatically and taking several deep breaths. After all this theatrical display, start by breaking the task into smaller, manageable steps and start dividing the task into logical components. This not only makes it less overwhelming but also provides a clear roadmap.

3. Research and Learn: Embrace your inner detective. Take the time to research the task. Pretend you are a detective, solving a mystery.  Look for online resources, articles, videos, or tutorials related to the task, and dive into the task with Sherlock Holmes’s curiosity. Understanding the basics can demystify the process and boost your confidence. “Master Google” and “Master YouTube” are the ultimate sensei.   

4. One of my favorites: Ask for Help: I used to be so proud. I wanted to show my superiors that I could do it all, but I ended up overcomplicating everything and wasting everyone’s time, while blaming the universe, which clearly had a personal vendetta against my productivity. Don’t be afraid to ask colleagues, friends, or online communities for advice. People are generally willing to share their knowledge and experiences. Seek out mentors who have expertise in the task you’re facing. I have one of my best friends, who is a corporate master, and he is always willing to provide training for free.

5. Plan and Organize: Become a Taskmaster! Create a plan outlining the steps you need to take. Set specific goals and deadlines for each phase of the task. So Specific that even your colleagues will wonder ” Who does this human thing they are? ” Having a structured plan keeps you focused and on track.

6. Trial and Error: Be prepared for some trial and error. Understand that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process. Learn from your errors and adjust your approach accordingly. And…embrace the chaos!

7. Stay Adaptable: Embrace the unpredictability! have a way of taking unexpected detours, like a confused GPS. Be adaptable and open to change. If one method doesn’t work, be willing to try another approach. Flexibility is the superhero cape you wear when facing the unknown.

8. Visualize Success: Visualize yourself completing the task successfully. Channel your inner director and create a mental blockbuster where you’re the hero. Positive visualization can boost your confidence and help you approach the task with a can-do attitude.

9. Stay Persistent: Don’t get discouraged if the task proves to be challenging. Persistence is often the key to mastering new skills. Give yourself a pep talk, filled with puns related to the task, nod wisely, and keep at it, even when it gets tough. You can even add some dramatic music, like Rocky Balboa’s Theme Song.

10. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Completing smaller sub-tasks can provide a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to keep going. Give yourself a high five.

11. Seek Feedback: After completing the task, seek feedback from others, especially if it’s a task related to work or a project. Remember, feedback is like seasoning for your professional growth – it might sting a bit, but it makes the final dish more flavorful. So, grab your metaphorical popcorn, and let the feedback show begin!

12. Reflect and Learn: After completing the task, pause to reflect on the experience. Identify what worked well and consider alternative approaches. Harness the lessons from your experiences to enrich your toolkit for future endeavors. When you finally, miraculously finish the task, dramatically declare it a masterpiece of unparalleled brilliance. Act as if you’ve single-handedly saved the company from impending doom.

Remember, everyone starts somewhere, even if you feel like you’ve been thrown into the deep end of the task pool without floaties. Embrace the chaos like a toddler with finger paints – messy but full of potential masterpieces. Approach the unknown task with the determination of a squirrel trying to crack a tough nut and a positive mindset that says, “I might not know what I’m doing, but I’ll do it with flair.”