Take On Stretch Tasks
Eighteen easy tips to take on stretch tasks, so you grow by trying things a little beyond your comfort.
Stretch, do not snap. Try something new.
24 tips that really help
These ideas come from So Good They Can’t Ignore You (Cal Newport), Getting to Yes (Roger Fisher and William Ury), Mindset (Carol Dweck), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Why stretch
Growth happens just outside your comfort zone. New tasks build skill, confidence and visibility.
Try one.
Notice stretch chances
Look for tasks nobody wants or new projects. Many are great learning.
Notice them.
Say yes with a plan
Say yes, then ask what support you need. Plans reduce fear.
Say yes.
Ask for help early
Find a person to ask. Early questions save time.
Ask early.
Break it into small steps
Small steps feel doable. Do one each day.
Break it up.
Set a check-in
Agree on a time to review progress. Check-ins prevent surprises.
Set one.
Expect some mistakes
Mistakes are part of learning. Stay calm and fix.
Stay calm.
Share what you learned
Tell the team the lessons. It shows growth.
Share it.
Script: saying yes
I would love to try that, and I would appreciate some guidance at the start. Say it warmly.
Use it.
Script: plan
Here is my plan for the first two weeks. Say it clearly.
Use it.
Script: check-in
Could we check in on Friday to see how it is going? Say it politely.
Use it.
Mistake: saying yes to everything
Too many stretches cause burnout, so choose.
Choose wisely.
Mistake: hiding when you are stuck
It makes problems bigger, so speak up.
Speak up.
Mistake: avoiding all challenges
Avoiding blocks growth, so try small ones.
Try small ones.
Troubleshoot: when you feel afraid
Break the task smaller and ask for a buddy. Fear shrinks.
Break it down.
Troubleshoot: when it goes badly
Learn, say what you learned and try again. Resilience grows.
Learn from it.
Drill: pick one stretch task
Choose one stretch task for this month and tell your manager.
Pick one.
Drill: write your plan
Write three small steps for your stretch task.
Write three.
Ask your manager for one stretch goal
Choose something that grows you but is not too big.
Ask for one.
Volunteer for a cross-team task
You meet new people and learn new skills.
Volunteer.
Example: the volunteer lead
Mia led the office party planning. It led to a role in events.
Lead small.
Example: the new tool
Raj tested a new tool for the team and became the go-to person.
Try a tool.
Troubleshoot: when you doubt yourself
Break it into tiny tasks. Ask for a buddy.
Ask for help.
Write down what scared you before you started
Looking back at your early fear after the task is finished shows how far you grew and gives courage next time.
Write it after.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many networking and career moments.
“I would love to try that.”
“Could someone help me start?”
“Here is my plan.”
“I will learn as I go.”
“Here is what I learned.”
“That was a good stretch.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Notice chances
Say yes
Ask for help
Plan small steps
Do it
Reflect
Share
Further reading
- So Good They Can’t Ignore You (Cal Newport)
- Getting to Yes (Roger Fisher and William Ury)
- Mindset (Carol Dweck)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
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Start freeThese lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.
More lessons in “Growing Your Career”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
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