Over the years I’ve picked up a bad habit or two (or three or four). Like most human beings, I can rationalize my way around, over and through them.
But when problematic tendencies start adversely impacting one’s work, clients, coworkers and peers WILL notice … if they haven’t already. Remember, it only takes one disgruntled customer review on social media to inform the whole world….
Once a month my family goes to Chez Elena Wu for Wednesday night dinner. Reasons:
● It’s two minutes from my husband’s office.
● Mom’s weeknight cooking break.
● Wonton soup.
● Soft-shell crabs permanently on the menu!
● Fortune cookies.
● Fortune cookie fortunes…
Exactly one week and a day ago, I was wandering around the Palm Beach Zoo (in Florida) with my husband and son, enjoying 80-plus degree winter/holiday break weather. Not thinking about work. At. All.
After three relaxing hours (except for the bugs), I took the following photo as we were leaving…
Back in July on LinkedIn, I shared the following 10-step technique for out-loud proofreading that works with any and all types of copy:
1. Print out a copy of your writing.
2. Grab your favorite pen.
3. Read aloud to yourself slowly…
A text message received last week:
[Pumpkin image] parT on Fri. R u going?
Eeeeeeeek! Commence internal editorial wincing.
I freely admit to composing (mostly) grammatically correct emails/texts/IMs, including abbreviations….
Carefully considering topic, tone and audience; setting precious time aside to write, and rewrite; agonizing over edits to reach the final version.
Wow. That’s some serious mental gymnastics. So … does “delight” still enter your blogging equation….
Pamela Barroway