As proofreaders and editors, the art of noticing is one of our superpowers, but rushing is our kryptonite. When our schedules are packed or our minds are elsewhere, we can miss things we’d usually catch.
When we slow down, we can catch something that needs attention before it becomes a bigger problem. Here are some things to watch for:
🌿 Notice what’s missing. Has a recurring client been unusually quiet? Before deciding what their silence means, send a friendly check-in.
🌿 Notice what keeps happening. Are you answering the same question or clearing up the same misunderstanding? A small change to your instructions or intake form might prevent that confusion.
🌿 Notice what you’re trying to squeeze in. Your schedule is full, and another file arrives. Before saying yes, consider what you’d have to give up to meet that deadline.
🌿 Notice what isn’t sinking in. You’ve read the same paragraph three times and still couldn’t explain what it says. Take a break. Another pass may not help if you’re too tired to absorb it.
🌿 Notice what you’ve stopped questioning. A familiar name, a standard heading, or a date carried over from another document. What are your eyes skipping because you think you already know what’s there?
🌿 Notice what’s going well. A client appreciates your questions. A project goes smoothly because you clarified something before starting. Time to celebrate!
We spend so much of our working time noticing things for other people. Our own businesses and lives deserve some of that attention too. 🔎
