TECH: Top 10 Pitfalls?

[mbarker.livejournal.com]

Original posting 28 July 2010

Huh...

The Subject line in the mail said: "Top 10 Pitfalls Writers Should Avoid."

The article, over here, http://writersdigest.com/article/productivity-pro has the subject "Top 10 Productivity Pitfalls for Writers to Avoid." An extra word "productivity" and a bit of grammatical tinkering, I guess?

Just for fun, here are Sage Cohen's pitfalls (note that his text seems to say this is his personal list, and the focus is on making good use of time. aka commentary is from tink...).

1. Unclear big-picture vision. aka know where you are going!
2. Lack of short-term goals. aka set intermediate milestones.
3. Fear. aka To grow, you have to take risks and sometimes fail. Fear can keep us from taking that leap into the unknown.
4. Trying to force productivity. aka learn to do it your way, at your own pace and time.
5. Shabby systems. aka get organized!
6. lack of awareness of time. aka keep track, so that you know what you've done.
7. Transition turbulence. aka beware of getting lost in interruptions and shifts.
8. Perfectionism. aka waiting for perfection means never finishing. aim for professionalism -- do your best, learn as you go, and use mistakes and failures to push you on.
9. Isolation. aka social, professional, community support can encourage, guide, and bring openings your way!
10. Negativity. Pessimism is easy. Pay attention to what worked, and appreciate the good in each moment.

Y'a know, I think the best way to use this article is as a prod to make your own list of best 10. What problems do you face? Or what practices do you want to make sure you use? What kind of best 10 list do you want to make -- and hang over your workplace?

Go ahead, feel free to make your own!
Write.