Originally posted on LinkedIn on July 8, 2022

Being a nurse writer comes with also being a small business owner. Besides writing about topics using my nurse expertise, I also have to learn all the many moving parts to having my own business. Things I’ve already accomplished on this front include setting up my LLC, creating a website, filing for a tax ID number, filing franchise taxes for my state, opening a business checking account…the list goes on.

When I see what I’ve accomplished as a business-owner and freelance health content writer, I am amazed.

Well, sometimes I’m not amazed.

Sometimes I panic because I haven’t come far enough or written enough, or, or, or…!

In my mind and my heart, I usually can see that I have accomplished a lot. But the fear (aka anxiety) will rear its ugly head and I am back to feeling like I did in nursing school, thinking that there is no way to learn everything there is to learn.

Yesterday, my wonderful mentor emailed tips to overcome fearfulness. She always seems to know just where I am in the process. One of her tips said to pretend you are already where you want to be. Thanks, @elizabethhanes!

This took me back to something my mother told me when I was a discouraged kid and wanted to quit a class (that I had begged to take).

In general, we kids were never allowed to just give up or stop going to something. She would always say, “Hold up your fist! You are a Johansen. Johansens do not give up! We can do anything!”

This time I persisted, listing my many reasons for wanting to quit. Mom asked me, “Do you know anyone in class who is really good?”

Of course I did! There was another, older girl that was perfect. Secretly comparing myself to her was one of the reasons I knew I couldn’t do it. I described her great skill and talent in detail.

To this, my mother replied, “Well, just act like she acts until you figure it all out.”

What? You can do that? So practical and simple! I did it and it worked.

This was the first time I ever heard the now oft-repeated “fake it ‘til you make it.” It was a revelation to me. And now, being reminded of it, will transform the way I think of myself.

I know better than to let fear get to me, but when something is new and the learning curve is straight up, it can sneak in.

No more, fear! I reject you. You cannot have me.

In my mind, I am already a successful freelance writer, running my business from the beach!

One day it will come to fruition as long as I don’t give up! Great things take time.

Keep plugging away, friends! Hold up your fist! We’ve got this!

Believe me. My mom was never wrong!