Do you struggle to stay focused for blocks of time? Does your mind wander while you’re trying to work, tempting you to think of the tasks on your to-do list or that recent episode of your favorite TV show? If your livelihood depends on your ability to focus (like mine does), this post is for you.

One of the benefits of my business is that I can proofread anywhere: reclining on the couch at home, sipping hot chocolate in a coffee shop, or sitting in the waiting room of my doctor's office. Few people can do their job from anywhere, and I'm thankful for the opportunity.

However, with the ability to proofread anywhere comes the need to stay focused in different environments. The following tips have helped me, and I hope they'll help you as well.

Here are 7 ways to stay focused while proofreading or editing:

1. Assume the position: Simply getting into the proofreading position helps my mind go into that mode, and most distractions fall away. This muscle memory takes practice, but it works. The “position” could include your physical posture, a certain chair, or the setup of the room.

2. Have the essentials close by: Gather the materials you need to proofread or edit for an extended time block. For me, this means my iPad, my resource books, a glass of water, and earplugs.

3. Track your time: I find that tracking my proofreading time almost gamifies my work. Of course, proofreading is more about accuracy than speed, so timing myself just for the sake of going faster isn’t a good idea. I use a timer app on my iPad when I proofread, but you could use whatever timer works for you.

4. Signal to others that you’re in a focused time block: Since most of my proofreading work is done sitting in a comfortable chair looking at my iPad, those around me sometimes forget that I’m actually working. One way to remind them is to have some sort of visual signal that I’m in the proofreading zone (like wearing earplugs or having a timer running nearby).

5. Pause your inbox: When I first started my business, I felt the pressure to respond to each business-related email immediately so I wouldn’t miss a job opportunity. Now that I have an established client base, I've let them know that I might not respond to emails immediately while I’m proofreading. They know that I’ll reply as soon as I'm able.

6. Remember the importance of the material you’re proofreading or editing: As a transcript proofreader, I need to remember that an accurate transcript of legal proceedings could affect someone’s life. This helps me stay focused.

What other tips do you use to stay focused during a detailed task?

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. 💦

7 Ways to Stay Focused While Proofreading or Editing