Stop carrying the world on your shoulders. You don’t have to.
Too many people believe everything rests on their shoulders. They carry the weight of deadlines, deliverables, and expectations as if asking for help is a sign of weakness.
That mindset is wrong — and unsustainable.
When you feel pressure, look up. Your leads and managers understand the same stress, often multiplied. They’re not there to judge; they’re there to support and help you navigate it. Talk to them. Share what’s heavy, causing the stress.
Great organizations move forward because people use their levers — teammates, leaders, and tools that lighten the load.
Try First, Then Ask
Before reaching out for help, spend focused time working through the problem. Write down:
- What the issue is
- What you’ve already tried
- What’s blocking you
- What do you think might help
This prep sharpens your understanding and helps others support you more effectively. It shows initiative and makes collaboration smoother.
Do a Rubber Ducky Session
Sometimes, you don’t need an immediate answer — you need clarity.
The “rubber ducky” method is simple: explain your problem out loud as if you’re teaching it to someone (or something). It could be an actual rubber duck (mine is a Yoshi stuffed toy my nephew got me), your notes app, or a teammate willing to listen.
Walking through the issue forces you to slow down, organize your thoughts, and often reveals the solution to you.
Better yet, talk it out with a colleague. Saying things out loud — and having someone reflect or ask a few simple questions — often uncovers what’s missing. It’s not about someone solving it for you, but helping you see it differently.
Bring in the Army
When challenges get big, remember — no one wins a battle alone. An army succeeds because everyone knows their role and works together toward a shared goal.
Your team army works the same way:
- Your immediate team is the front line. They move fast, share knowledge, and adapt together when things shift.
- SMEs (Subject Matter Experts) are your specialists — the engineers, analysts, or experts who step in when precision matters most.
- Leadership acts like your command unit — setting strategy, clearing roadblocks, and securing the resources needed to win.
- Cross-functional partners are the support divisions that strengthen your position — offering fresh perspectives, connecting systems, and helping align the bigger picture.
An army wins by coordinating — by communicating clearly, sharing intel, and trusting each other’s strengths. The same is true for your team.
You don’t need to handle every problem alone — you need to know which unit to call in, and when.
Final Thought
You’re not alone. You have teammates, leaders, tools, and experts — an entire army ready to move with you.
Use them. That’s how real progress happens.
Remember
When the pressure builds, don’t isolate — activate your army. Together, we move faster, stronger, and smarter.