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# It's time to grow up and ditch the security blanket
- URL: https://www.annemariecharrett.com/newsletter/its-time-to-grow-up-and-ditch-the-security-blanket/
- Published: 2010-02-05T14:25:29.000Z
- Updated: 2021-06-20T01:05:15.000Z
- Author: Anne-Marie Charrett
- Tags: Monthly Newsletter, blog, #60c1d1dd5b103d003bb28239, #60c1d1dd5b103d003bb2823a, #60c1d1dd5b103d003bb28171, #60c1d1dd5b103d003bb2823e, #60c1d1dd5b103d003bb281dd, #60c1d1dd5b103d003bb2816a, #60c1d1dd5b103d003bb2815a, #60c1d1dd5b103d003bb2819f, #60c1d1dd5b103d003bb281bc, #60c1d1dd5b103d003bb2818f, #60c1d1dd5b103d003bb281c0, #60c1d1dd5b103d003bb2819b, #60c1d1dd5b103d003bb28158, #60c1d1dd5b103d003bb2823f, #639c594726924a003dc60d99, #60c1d1dd5b103d003bb281df, #60c1d1dd5b103d003bb281f2, #633d2fd3963633003d1bebb3, #6236b8fd2c234f003d9b8ca6, #60c1d1dd5b103d003bb281cf

One of the hardest parts of working as a software tester is keeping on top of new technologies, techniques in testing and development and software testing tools. I can sometimes feel quite intimidated at the amount of information that I need to absorb in order to keep on top of the game.  

![Linus Security Blanket](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e2/0b/e20b1dc7-7596-416c-bbad-2be3126c3a68/content/images/2021/06/linus.gif)

Gavin Davies writes about this feeling of intimidation in his post [Software Development: Doing It Scared](http://www.boxuk.com/blog/software-development-doing-it-scared?ref=annemariecharrett.com) and how we naturally are tempted to retreat to a place of safety. As he points out though, it doesn’t get the job done.

He gives some tips on overcoming these feelings, I pass them on to you here:

## 1) Cut it down to size.

If you have a task that’s overwhelming, cut it down to smaller manageable tasks. I like to set these tasks to dates as it helps keep me focused.

## 2) Get Help.

There are lots of places where you can go and ask for help online (my personal favourite is the [Ministry of Testing](https://ministryoftesting.com/?ref=annemariecharrett.com)). Try and keep your questions specific and put some context in the question to help those answering it.  
One word of caution though, whilst there is no such thing as a dumb question, your question may have been already asked. Do everyone a favour and search first to see if your question has already been adequately answered.  
Also, ask your colleagues and team members for help.

## 3) Remember your existing skills.

Remind yourself that you are already skilled in some aspects of testing. Once you have learned your new technology/skill, you will be able to quickly ramp up and apply the new skill to what you already know. It will get easier!

There’s a bit more on what not to do in the post, which is good reading. Gavin ends with this worthwhile point:

“Software can seem overwhelming. The more we learn, the more we realise how much there is to learn – more than one person can possibly know. As software developers, we will always face fresh challenges. Nevertheless, a life worth living will take you out of your comfort zone time and time again and positive thinking, teamwork, good practise and organisation can help tackle daunting tasks.”

Happy learning!