Work smart by working less!
Working hard is an old-fashioned style of gaining success. From smartphones to smart TVs, everything is smart in today’s world of highly advanced technology and advancements.
There is nothing wrong with trying to work hard but, truth be told, hard work alone usually results in little success if any. It is the middle class of each society that works the most but still remains at the same social status. The discussion and debate related to hard work versus how anyone can work smart are not new. In fact, it has almost become a cliché nowadays; however, one must be aware of the means of smart work.
The following paragraphs will present a brief discussion related to some of the most effective ways to make sure that you work smart in the future and achieve all the great success you richly deserve in your life.
1. Work Smart by Understanding Productivity
You cannot simply be productive because you are working hard or spending hours after hours on a project. Productivity is about achieving the desired results. Two people can have a different idea of ensuring maximum productivity.
To meet desired results with minimum efforts, it is extremely important to understand factors that contribute towards your productivity. Please remember that such factors that enable you to work smart are usually individual for each human being and cannot be standardized.
For example, you are at your sharpest in the evening. So, it is useless to brainstorm all day about your next big project when you know you can get better ideas with just one hour of brainstorming in the evening. On the other hand, some people may be more productive alone or when they are free from tensions of meeting strict deadlines. Analyze your individuality and make sure you give yourself the company of these positively contributing factors.
2. Create Systems
While some works are still better done manually, this age is of systems and automation. Do not rely on manual settings to help you work smart or become a more successful person. Try to create systems in each major aspect of your life.
Automate processes in your life that you are putting too much decision making into. For example, you would see famous tech CEOs like Mark Zuckerberg or Steve Jobs wearing the same dress at all times.
The logic behind it is quite simple. There is no point in wasting precious time in things that do not add value or improve your productivity. Also, you should not be wasting the time of things or activities that do not play any significant role in your achievement of goals. This point is as important for housewives or school kids as it is for billionaire CEOs or scientists.
3. Give Yourself “Me Time”
It is one of the fundamental places where too many people go wrong. They keep trying hard without having any idea about how and when to work hard. When you give yourself some personal time, you do not only get relaxed but you also get an opportunity to work smart by analyzing your inner abilities.
Every once in a while you should be looking to go through your strengths as well as weaknesses. In personal terms, it is equally important to understand your inner and outer environment. Only after you have thoroughly analyzed your strengths and weaknesses along with outside opportunities and threats, you can take corrective actions and benefit from your strengths and opportunities.
As an entrepreneur, getting an idea about your personal or business weakness can help you overcome this weakness within a small period of time. On the other hand, you might continue to work hard without even realizing the true nature of the problem.
4. Outsource
Your time is precious. In 24 hours, you need time for many activities, ranging from job or business meetings to managing personal relationships and even finding some alone time.
Many people focus on unnecessary things and unconsciously start ignoring the important bits. To work smart does not only talks about achieving maximum results in minimum time. It is also about working in a way that you feel satisfied with the overall experience of working.
This is achieved when you balance your time division among different activities. The best way to achieve this balanced division is to outsource less important things and spend time only on value-adding activities.
Again, this tip is very important in both personal and professional life. As a business owner or manager, outsourcing can save huge costs and other resources. Also, outsourcing, such as your physical shopping thanks to online shopping, can save the most important resource in life, that is your time.
5. Never Shy Away from Technology
Even if you are not a man of technology or you are someone from an older generation, you should still consider technology as your best friend. It does not necessarily mean having a Facebook page or a Twitter account, but you should still be able to use your mobile phone and laptop in the most effective way. From basic to-do-lists, alarms, and from Google searching the availability of data at fingertips, technology can be helpful in many ways.
Do not worry about learning tens of applications and using them at all times. Instead, try to find those software and mobile applications that are specific to your personal and professional needs. Also, keep yourself updated with the latest developments in your concerned fields. A new application or the latest update might solve any of your problems.
For example, you do not need to go to your office and use computer scanners to scan important files with the free availability of different mobile scanning apps. It is as easy as taking a photo.
Moderate but proper use of technology can save time and financial resources in an unprecedented way. Make sure to benefit from these gadgets and applications as it can go a long way towards ensuring your success in the smartest way possible.
