Why My Blog Looks Like It’s Written By A 7th Grader

There’s something you’re not good at, that you think you should be, and today I’m going to make you feel better about it.

Why My Blog Looks Like It’s Written By A 7th Grader

One of the most consistent pieces of feedback I’ve gotten on my blog is that I need to proofread better. My parents have told me, my clients have told me, even complete strangers have told me.

So why can’t I get better at proofreading? Well, I’ve tried. I’ve made revisions, I’ve used grammar checking tools, I’ve even read my posts out loud. No matter how hard I try, I still make mistakes.

I used to feel bad about this. I used to think that if I couldn’t learn to be a good proofreader I’d never be a good writer. I thought this because two writers that I know and respect (Leo Babauta and Corbett Barr) proofread their own work.

Then I realized that’s bullshit. Being a good writer and being a good proofreader are different skills. Writing is in my zone of genius and effort. It’s something I’m good at, something I’m passionate about, and something I’m interested in improving.

Proofreading, on the other hand, is in my zone of struggle, stubbornness, and resistance. I’m not very good at it, I don’t have a passion for it, and while I’d like to improve, I don’t really care that much.

And so, I’ve decided to give up and hire someone to proofread my work.

At first, I was resistant to this idea until I realized I do this all the time. I hire people to cook pizza because I’m not that good at it. I hire people to fix my teeth for the same reason. In fact, you could fill the world with people who are good at things I’m not.

Why do I need to work at something that I’m not good at, don’t have a passion for, and that someone else will happily do?

I don’t and neither do you.

You don’t have to feel bad when you’re not good at something. Instead, you simply need to decide if you want to get better and if you’ve got a good shot at improving. If the answer is no to both, then your going to be better off focusing on something that’s a hell yes in both cases.

What is in your zone of struggle, stubbornness, and resistance? What wall are you banging your head against? What would happen if you stood up opened Google and hired a guy with a metal skull?

I assure you life will not collapse and then you can get back to what you’re supposed to be doing anyway.