Waste in Typing, Wow It’s Hard to Change

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Let me try to lighten the mood after my earlier outrage over the medical mistake in L.A. (there are updates, though, see below). I don't like to leave a negative post on top of the blog as we go into a weekend or holiday. Seems like bad blog karma.

I'm still writing my book on “Lean Hospitals.” It's coming along well (still a lot of work to do), but it should be done by Jan 1 (maybe slightly “just in time”).

I learned that, per my publisher's formatting instructions, that I have been unnecessarily typing two spaces after a period and the end of a sentence. I learned that back when I first learned touch typing on a manual typewriter (now I'm starting to feel old). One space after commas, two after a period, that was the old rule.

Now I'm told that two spaces aren't necessary with computers and modern computer fonts. NOW they tell me. Think of all the wasted motion of my right thumb hitting that space bar an extra time. What waste!

So I'm really, REALLY struggling in trying to retrain myself after 25 years of touch typing. It's NOT easy. You'll notice there are two spaces after the periods in this post. I'm addicted to the space bar, apparently. I guess it's a lesson learned in how hard it can be to change old habits, probably a good thing for a Lean implementor to keep in mind!!

Have a great Thanksgiving (to my American readers). Among many other things, I'm thankful for my excellent readers, with their comments and emails. I learn so much in the process of writing this blog, you wouldn't believe it. I'm thankful to have intelligent discussion and value added comments from my readers. You set me straight when I'm wrong on something, so I appreciate that.

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Mark Graban
Mark Graban is an internationally-recognized consultant, author, and professional speaker, and podcaster with experience in healthcare, manufacturing, and startups. Mark's new book is The Mistakes That Make Us: Cultivating a Culture of Learning and Innovation. He is also the author of Measures of Success: React Less, Lead Better, Improve More, the Shingo Award-winning books Lean Hospitals and Healthcare Kaizen, and the anthology Practicing Lean. Mark is also a Senior Advisor to the technology company KaiNexus.

2 COMMENTS

  1. Yep, I went through the same thing about 6 months ago after finding out about the “correct” way to type with modern fonts. I’m happy to say that you can retrain yourself after a few months of practice.

  2. Something else you might find challenging is using the other thumb to hit the space bar (most people always use the same one).

    Maybe training yourself to use the other thumb (and hitting space once) will help you break the habit.
    Ever consider putting an elastic around your hand/thumb?

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