Confronting the Unknown: A Proofreader's Guide to Overcoming Fears

Even though it happened more than 40 years ago, I still remember the fear I felt before my first roller coaster ride. In the summer between sixth and seventh grade, I visited an amusement park in Charlotte, North Carolina, with my church youth group.

I remember standing in line for a terrifying-looking roller coaster called White Lightnin'. Not only would this be my first roller coaster ride, but this coaster went upside down! I tried to back out a few times, but my friends convinced me to ride it. Looking back now, White Lightnin' was pretty tame compared to modern roller coasters. But my fear was genuine because it was a new experience for me.

As I write this post, I'm in the process of learning some intimidating software for my proofreading business. I downloaded the software to my computer last night and was instantly overwhelmed. Will I be able to learn how to use it? Can I figure out the software shortcuts to speed up the process?

I believe this software will help me serve my clients more effectively and possibly even find new ones. But first I have to learn how to use it.

Here's my plan to overcome my fear: For the next couple weeks, I'm devoting some time blocks each day to learning how to use the software. Here's what I'll be doing:

• Watching the training included in the software

• Searching YouTube for additional tutorials

• Completing the practice exercises that come with the software

• Practicing with the software using actual transcripts from one of my clients

I'm hoping that I'll look back at my fears about this software and realize that it wasn't that scary after all. Practice and experience will make me feel more comfortable.

I'm guessing that you're facing at least one scary thing in your proofreading or editing business right now, too. Perhaps one of these:

• Finishing some proofreading or editing training you started

• Marketing yourself to prospective clients

• Learning a new tool or system to make your work easier

• Developing a website for your business

• Posting content on a new-to-you social media platform

Please know that it's perfectly natural to feel nervous before trying something new.

Consider following Eleanor Roosevelt's advice to "do one thing every day that scares you."

To your success,
Julie from The Proofreader Greenhouse

P.S. If you'd like to read the other articles in The Watering Can, click here. 💦