Work Smart, Not Hard

For many years, I worked very hard at working hard. I took life at a run without thinking about my pace. But when you work in a panic, nothing is clear. Everything takes longer than it should. I have only learned how to work smart through my experiences, life lessons and listening to the advice of others. I realized that I don’t need to run at it. Here are a few simple techniques that I have added to my world to work smarter, not harder.

Have a Plan. Just as every organization needs a business plan, working smart means having a well-thought out scheme to help guide you. Schedule tasks for the days, weeks, and months ahead so that you know what’s coming and when.

Be Real. Before you plunge into something headfirst, remember that enthusiasm needs to be tempered with wisdom. Allow yourself time to think about a project, task or assignment so that you can be sure that everything can be accomplished on time and accurately.

First Things First. One of Stephen Covey’s 7 habits in 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, putting first things first means taking care of the most important things before the rest. Dealing right away with whatever comes in by email or by phone is working hard, not smart. I structure my day so that the truly important work gets done first. It’s amazing how much I accomplish in a single, focused hour when I’m feeling fresh and motivated.

Get Help. To work smart, you need to let other people help you – the ones who get more done in less time and with fewer resources. Give them the tasks they’re good at and that drain you. Help can come in all sorts of forms, too. It might be emotional support, or someone taking care of the housework so that you can focus on work.

Get with the Times. Don’t take shortcuts on quality materials or ways to do something – that’s working hard, not smart. Trying to save a few bucks, but spending an extra hour or two because the tool wasn’t quite what you needed, doesn’t make any sense. Your time is worth more.

Don’t Make It Harder Than It Actually Is. Most pressure is self-induced. We set unrealistically high goals or standards for ourselves and feel like we should be doing more. By focusing on each step, rather than on the entire project, cuts down on the feeling of overwhelm.

Roll with It. Your day will not always go as planned. Try new methods and learn new things. You never know where the next brilliant idea will come from.

Timing is Everything. When you feel great and are in the flow, go for it. I’m a morning person, so I know that I go for the hard stuff right away. I save the easy stuff for the afternoon. When you finish early, if nothing else comes in, than you can play or rest.

Get some Z’s. Rest equals recharging your creativity and energy. That doesn’t just mean getting a good night’s sleep – it also means taking time off to relax and play. When I learned that this isn’t “wasting” time, I found myself with more energy and ideas and interest in my work. That also means when you’re sick, stay at home and rest, too.

If I could have written a letter to myself and sent it back into time, I would have said to myself – go easy on yourself by working smarter, not harder. Because when I work smart, the hard work gets done easily. Just sayin’.

Published: Apartment News Magazine – July/August issue 2012