7 ways to work smarter, not harder

Working smarter and not harder goes a long way to improve your overall performance, productivity as well as the satisfaction you get from doing the task.

The era in which we are, working just harder is not everything rather, work smartly while putting the necessary effort needed to get you to where you desire.

 

Take a moment to ask yourself this question; why is it important to work smarter, not harder? Is it really necessary?  The answer is YES.

This is because first it increases your motivation, saves energy/time, improves your performance especially when you have positive feedback, knowing what needs to get done and when, and utilizing tools that will keep you on track.

 

Below are 7 ways one can work smarter and not harder

#1. Make a weekly plan

The first out of the 7 ways to work smarter, not harder is having a plan of action. Have you heard of the saying that failing to plan is planning to fail? Without a plan of action, working smarter becomes difficult because you don’t have a course of action to follow.

 

Make a list of your daily endeavors. This will go a long way to keep you focus/committed to your goal as well as having the zeal to accomplish it. Time management is also important when it comes to planning. Try as much as possible to follow the time.

 

#2. Have a clear routine

Another way to work smarter and not harder is to develop a clear routine. A routine refers to a sequence of actions regularly followed.

Develop a morning as well as an evening ritual. Try starting your morning and ending the evening in the same way.

 

You can engage in doing sports every morning, listen to an audio book, read a novel it all depends on the individual.

When we establish routines, we can carry out tasks faster since we don’t have to ‘think’ about the task – or prepare for it.

 

#3. Do not multi-task

The fact that I say you should not get involve in multiple tasks doesn’t mean one cannot aspire to develop many skills. Nope.  You can, but focus on one task at a time.

The truth is, when you switch from one task to another, you actually waste time.

This is because the brain also needs time to switch tasks and change its focus and there is a possibility of you even leaving the task incomplete.

 

 For you to work smarter, not harder avoid taking multiple tasks. Rather focus all of your attention on one task first before moving to the next. You will realize that you will be more efficient.

 

#4. Measure results not time

The fourth way of working smarter and not harder is to keep track of your daily accomplishments. I won’t lie to you, there is a feeling one gets when he/she completes his/her task for the day.

For instance, you wake up from bed and your goal for the day is to analyze two separate data.

 

When you accomplish this goal, you don’t just feel fulfilled; you equally boost your motivation to always have such feelings.

When one keeps a list of his/her daily accomplishments, it makes it easy to celebrate as well as better anticipate how long similar tasks will take in the future. This goes a long way to increase productivity and efficiency.

 

#5. Take regular breaks

One of our greatest resources is investing in one’s self. You are your own greatest resource, so taking care of your body and mind is the key when you want to work smarter, not harder.

When one doesn’t get enough sleep, exercise and relaxation the result is being less and less productive.

The lack of sleep, exercise and no time to relax can make one work longer and for longer hours which the direct opposite of what we want.

 

 Stress can lead to physical, emotional, and behavioural problems which intend affect your health, energy, well-being, and mental alertness. Are you surprise when I say stress alone can hinder your work performance? You shouldn’t be.  

Some stress management techniques include reading, meditating, listening to music, exercising (sports), going out for a walk, getting a massage, spending time with a creative hobby, spending time with friends or family, surfing the internet and watching TV or movies.

 

All in all, make sure you are in the best shape possible. Taking bursts as many times as possible is very essential because it improve your productivity greatly. 

Taking 15 minutes to rest and getting fresh air and exercise is one of the best ways to work smarter, not harder, and you’ll improve your mental health along the way.

 

#6. Avoid distractions

Distractions affect productivity and efficiency. In order to work smarter, not harder, one need to remove the distractions that stand in his/her way and focus on things that really matter.

When one cultivate the need for less, you end up achieving more. Just as the saying “inch by inch, it’s a cinch”. “Yard by yard, it’s hard”.  This means we accomplish more by taking small steps. Working smarter, not harder has to do with knowing what to do at a given time.

 

When it’s time to work, concentrate just on it. Keep your phone aside as well as that friend you always give more than you receive. 

Anything that interrupts your work when you are in deep Work state and/or doesn’t contribute to the life you want to build classifies as a distraction. Minimize distractions in your daily life in order to make progress in meaningful work.

 

#7. Don’t Fall into the Trap of Working Smarter and Harder

The seventh way on how to work smarter, not harder is to know when to take a break and not fill up the time with even more work.

Working smarter, not harder means spending less hours to get a job done. So, use that extra time that you’ve won for yourself to do things outside of work that bring you joy.

 

Concluding Remarks

In conclusion, the key to improving your productivity and efficiency is to work smarter, not harder. Working smarter does not only save your precious time and energy for things that are of importance, your life goals, health, relationships and personal growth.

 

 Working smartly equally entails having clear routines, measuring your outcome instead of time, taking regular breaks, having a plan of action, avoid engaging in multiple tasks as well as dealing with distractions.

Remember keeping track of your accomplishments and time goes a long way to motivate as well as leaving you with the feeling of excitement. Which other point do you think can be added to the above mentioned points? Please feel free to share your  ideas in the comment section.

 

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