Let's talk about a topic that affects us not just professionally but also personally: productivity.

As proofreaders and editors, we catch errors and polish our clients' writing. This attention to detail not only ensures error-free content but also sparks a desire for productivity and efficiency. Despite our desire to be productive, some of our habits may be sabotaging our productivity.

Here are some habits we should try to break:

1. Striving for perfection on every task

   • As perfectionists, we aim for excellence in everything we do. However, not every task demands perfection; some tasks simply require completion. Letting go of the need for perfection on every task can help us be more efficient and less stressed. Embracing the concept of "good enough" on certain tasks can be a game-changer.

   • Of course, I'm not suggesting that we do less than our best on our proofreading or editing tasks; every client's file should get our full attention. It's about knowing which tasks don't require perfection so we can focus where it matters most.

2. Overloading our daily to-do list

   • We all love a good to-do list, but there's a fine line between productivity and overwhelm. We should create realistic plans that set us up for success rather than for burnout.

   • Time blocking helps me set realistic daily plans. There are only so many hours in the day, and looking at my time-blocking system helps me see exactly how many time slots I have. When the slots are full, I stop adding tasks.

3. Saying yes to tasks we should be saying no to

   • As professionals who thrive on helping others, saying no can be a challenge. We need to learn how to gracefully decline tasks that don't align with our priorities. Learning to say no to certain things can free up time for tasks that help us grow professionally and personally.

4. Allowing non-important notifications to distract us during focused work

   • Our phones can be both a blessing and a curse, and constant notifications are distracting. I put my phone in do-not-disturb mode while I'm proofreading, but I've set my husband and son as "favorite" contacts so their calls and texts can get through.

   • Check your phone's settings and learn how to turn off or silence distracting app notifications during your work sessions.

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Now it's time for some self-reflection: Are you guilty of any of those bad habits I mentioned?

To boost our productivity, let's drop those habits and develop a work life that's more focused and satisfying. Stay tuned for more productivity tips in upcoming posts.

To your success,
Julie from The Proofreader Greenhouse

P.S. If you'd like to read the other articles in The Watering Can, click here. 💦

4 Habits Making You Less Productive as a Proofreader or Editor