FYI: If you get this as an email, you can click on the title and read this post on the internet blog site.
A reader wrote that he couldn’t figure out the image I put in yesterday’s post. Looking at the post again, I could see why he was confused. It was supposed to imply healing but it was unclear. I changed the image.
But then I reread the text. It was filled with mistakes, typos and poorly explained ideas. I’ve been blogging for several years and I admit that I’ve had typos. Sometimes I even rewrite a post after it’s been “published” to improve the language. But this? It was unacceptable. What happened?
The reason (not an excuse but a reason) is that I wasn’t able to write clearly. I had a debilitating sinus headache which you know if you read the post. I’ve noticed that writing is very difficult when I have a severe sinus headache. But now I see just how much this affects the quality of my writing.
Why am I telling you this? Because it’s a teaching moment’ that’s too good to pass up. I didn’t follow my own “working with chronic illness” job advice: When you know you can’t get the job done right, regardless of the reason, get back up.
I’ve written this maxim in my book, my booklets, my blogs. I’ve said it to clients. But I forgot my own advice.
Obviously this advice is true for anyone, healthy or not. But when you live with chronic illness, you have to remember this because too frequently we just can’t get the job done properly.
I should have had someone else proof it before it went out. My apologies if you were annoyed by poorly edited copy!
It’s a reminder of how important it is to notice when your body creates limitations. Don’t ignore it as I did. Use that information to do the job right the first time so you avoid apologies, losing clients/readers or even your job.
Rosalind aka cicoach.com
Christina Gombar says
Don’t worry Rosalind — to tell you the truth — I didn’t pick up the errors! I’m more interested in the substance of any blog post — and the thing about the Internet is its immediacy — sometimes the trade off is perfect proof-reading. No worries!
Rosalind Joffe aka cicoach.com says
Thanks, Christina.
maria says
I’m so glad to hear what you both said – sometimes the fog interferes with what I think I’m saying and what actually shows up. I grew tired of feeling embarrassed about the typos and now catch them when I can. People really are more forgiving than I often give them credit for! Now I need to learn to forgive myself as well.
Rosalind Joffe aka cicoach.com says
Maria – your right on point about forgiving yourself. I wrote this not because I wanted sympathy, empathy or even forgiveness. I didn’t blame myself for what happened. I’ve learned it’s a waste of time. But I did “own” it- and then wrote this to help others recognize it when it happens to them. It’s one thing as “bloggers” to make these mistakes – no one is paying us to do this. But when you’re getting paid for what you do you want to recognize that you need help and get it – so you don’t hide your mistakes or have to hide behind them.
James says
Excellent reminder – thanks! Very difficult to put into practice, but we have to keep trying. 🙂
Rosalind Joffe aka cicoach.com says
Good point – we have to keep trying. We’re not going to get it every time – or even most of the time. But if we put the effort and intention toward it, we at least know that we’ve taken charge.