Stepping Back to Move Forward

When I first received an email from a senior stakeholder about a task I had to deliver, my immediate reaction was overwhelm. The scope seemed too vast, the expectations too high, and I found myself questioning—had I committed too much? Doubts crept in, and the weight of the responsibility felt heavier by the minute.  

At first, I kept overthinking, trying to solve everything in my head. But when I finally sat down with my team and discussed the task, something shifted. As we broke the problem down together, the path forward became clearer. What initially seemed complicated now had a structure, and I could see exactly how to approach it.  

By the time the meeting happened, I was prepared. And to my surprise, everything went smoothly. The very thing I was overthinking had now turned into a well-managed discussion. Looking back, I realized that stepping back and seeking support was the key.  

We often believe we must figure everything out on our own, but that’s rarely the best way forward. Sometimes, clarity comes not from pushing harder but from pausing, reflecting, and leaning on the right people. When you feel stuck, take a step back—not to retreat, but to see the bigger picture.