I found this article while doing research (as is my wont) on overcoming fear of change in the journal databases of our campus library. It’s called “Overcoming Fear of Change on Path to Practice Transformation” from a journal called Holistic Primary Care.* Doesn’t sound much like something for authors, does it? But I realized the points Janet Guilland makes in the article are perfect.
Fear often gets in the way when I have to learn a new way to market my book or my business. If you’ve written or are writing a book, you’re obviously a high achiever, and if you’re like me, you’d rather not take on something you think will fail. But as you’ve no doubt read many times, failure is an important part of success! So here are some ways to overcome that fear.
- Tune in to the needs of your readers.
Remember why you wrote your book in the first place—those readers in need of your help! Focusing on others helps take away some of the fear. Think about your goals, and how this new marketing piece will help achieve those goals. That can go a long way toward assuaging some of that fear. - Start small.
Don’t try to learn the new marketing tool all at one time. Read and follow a short tutorial to start with, one that directs you through just one aspect of the program. Eat the elephant a bit at a time, as the saying goes, and you’ll feel less overwhelmed. - Connect with other authors.
Find a group of authors who are going through the same experiences you are, and exchange ideas and tips. Commiserating with others helps take the fear away, especially when you realize you’re not the only one having problems. And who knows, you may be able to help someone else with a program you’ve mastered! - Recognize your worth.
The original article talks about this in terms of doctors being comfortable with talking about and dealing with money. Authors often have this difficulty, too, but that’s not what I mean with this point. I mean, recognize the worth of what you have to say. When you believe your message is absolutely vital to share with your readers, you feel more empowered and less fearful about spreading the word. You’re not bragging about your own accomplishments. You’re sharing a very important message with them. You’re worth it!
*Here’s the original article: Janet Guilland. “Overcoming Fear of Change on Path to Practice Transformation.” Holistic Primary Care 14, no. 3:1-10. CINAHL Complete. EBSCOhost (accessed October 20, 2015).