How to Make Fewer Mistakes at Work While Becoming More Productive

Mar 19, 2021

Mistakes happen. They are a part of human nature. In running a business, it’s also fairly common. But no matter how big or small a mistake is, it can be costly one way or another for solopreneurs like you.

That’s why you should focus on doing one task at hand, give yourself enough time to prepare, ready all the tools you’ll need for work, and most importantly, avoid rushing. Find out more tips on how to always complete your tasks at 100% accuracy by reading below.

1. Sleep early and wake up early

Proper sleep is important for optimal mental performance. You should get 7 to 9 hours of bedtime rest every night. This is done by putting away all your devices an hour before bed. The earlier you sleep the better. You’ll have more time to prepare for the day and arrive at the office.

2. Focus on one task

There is no such thing as multitasking. What happens is your mind rapidly jumps from focusing on one task to another. This could make you commit a lot of mistakes. Set your eyes on one task and focus on finishing it before doing what’s next. It’s the only right way.

3. Prepare all the supplies you’ll need

Putting all your focus on one task only to find out that there’s a missing element to it can be frustrating. And frustration is a form of distraction. Then, you being distracted leads to mistakes. Always start your task by checking if all the necessities are on your table.

4. Use a checklist

Face it. You can’t memorize all the work you need to do. One way or another you’ll forget one task and remember it once you’re already home or out of the office. Your safest bet of remembering all your responsibilities and getting them all done is through a checklist.

I recommend using a checklist app on your phone and screenshotting it to be used as your wallpaper for the day.

5. Get a second set of eyes

You know what they say. You can’t see your own mistakes. That’s why it’s important to employ the help of someone else to point out the errors you make. An employee of yours or a partner who knows your work well can help by proofreading your work and making suggestions.

6. Carefully review your work after

If you work alone as a solopreneur, then, you have no choice but to review your work yourself. Not once, not twice, but thrice. And don’t review your work in a hurry. Take your time to check everything.

7. Take breaks

While being focused on working is good, you can also experience burnout. Forcing yourself to work when you’re mentally exhausted can seriously ruin the quality of your output and productivity. Take one break in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Walk outside. Eat your lunch outside as well even if you’ve brought food with you.

8. Eliminate distractions and stop procrastinating

Put your phone away as you work. Close all unnecessary tabs on your web browser and programs on your computer. If you read messages through a smartwatch, disconnect your watch and your phone. Work in a soundproof environment.

For solopreneurs who just can’t help checking the phone during work hours, set a time limit to the non-essential apps on your phone.

9. Learn from other mistakes

Remember all the screw-ups you’ve made as a solopreneur and what you’ve said to yourself about what you could’ve done to avoid them. Those are invaluable lessons that could help you be better than you were yesterday.

10. Don’t rush

Focus on accuracy instead of speed. That means prioritizing the quality of your work instead of how sooner you can get it done. You are the boss, you set the deadlines now. Rushing means disaster and you wouldn’t be in that place if you practice good time management.

Did you commit a lot of mistakes this week in your business? That’s okay, there’s nothing you can do about them aside from learning and vowing to do better next week. Just enjoy your weekend. Unwind. Get a mental reset. Follow all the tips you’ve found here for all the tasks you need to accomplish next week.

Discover podcasts for productivity and success here!