Work Smarter, Not Harder: 9 Productivity Tips To Work Smart

We’ve been told to work harder all our lives if we want to achieve a goal, get succeed if and do more and if we want to maximize our potential. But, consider this: What if you could get just as much done — or more — if you simply worked smarter, not harder?

Why You Need To Work Smarter, Not Harder?

Learning to work smarter, not harder can improve your productivity and performance while increasing your overall job satisfaction. It can also make you a valuable asset to the organization for which you work, increasing your job security.

Implementing the strategies necessary to work smarter, not harder takes some practice and development.

Of course, working hard and being industrious in order to get ahead personally and professionally is commendable. But, once again, it’s even more commendable if you find tools and strategies that will help you work smarter instead of harder.

Technology has made many things easier and less time-consuming. There are many devices, gadgets, and mediums that provide speed, accuracy, and real-time directives for us to make informed decisions.

Take Google maps, for example, it’s virtually impossible to get lost where a GPS navigation system is provided, and there’s no need for us to waste time asking others (who are just as clueless) about where to find that office or how to get to that appointment on time.

Enjoy the benefits of working smarter! Use these tips as a springboard to ideas of your own to help you save time and become more productive.

Work smarter, not harder with these foolproof strategies:

• Avoid reinventing the wheel. Working smarter also means not trying to reinvent the wheel. If you have a task to complete, ask if it has already been done and if there’s an easier way to do it.
• Enhance the task. Always look for ways to refine your job or make your tasks easier or quicker. Efficiency and effectiveness are desired above all.
• Focus the majority of your energy on those tasks that are going to create the biggest results. You’ll look like you’re doing much more, but secretly with less effort.
• Manage your time. Allow yourself time to process what needs to be done and determine your best options or alternatives. Manage your time, take strategic breaks, and get enough sleep.
• Good time management allows you to accomplish more in a time frame, which leads to more free time, which lets you take advantage of learning opportunities, lowers your stress, and helps you focus, which leads to more career success.
• Analyze the project. See if you can reach the same result with fewer steps. Can you use new software or other technology to reduce the workload?
• Delegate. Identify people who perform certain tasks better than you. Give them clear instructions on what you want to achieve, and then allow them to use their initiative and creativity.
• Delegating is important because you can’t — and shouldn’t — do everything yourself. Delegating empowers your team, builds trust, and assists with professional development. And for leaders, it helps you learn how to identify who is best suited to tackle tasks or projects.
• Passing off routine and mundane chores will still get the job done well while freeing you up to deal with more important tasks.
• Keep a diary or notebook. It’s useful to routinely keep track of what you’ve done or are currently working on. This affords accountability, transparency, and a record of your accomplishments.
• Such a record also comes in handy when it’s time for your annual review or you’re trying to move up in your career.
• Show gratitude. You’ll develop loyal coworkers when you show them that you’re thankful for their efforts. It makes them feel good about themselves and you, too.
• Who doesn’t want to feel good about themselves? Your gratitude encourages them to help you again when you need it.

Avoid being overworked and overwhelmed. If you’re committed to getting things done in an effective and efficient manner while reducing your stress, then working smarter is for you! You can also use SMART goals to achieve your goals and objectives.

SMART is an acronym that you can use to guide your goal setting.

To make sure your goals are clear and reachable, each one should be:

• Specific (simple, sensible, significant).
• Measurable (meaningful, motivating).
• Achievable (agreed, attainable).
• Relevant (reasonable, realistic, and resourced, results-based).
• Time-bound (time-based, time-limited, time/cost limited, timely, time-sensitive).

While setting smart goals, do incorporate the above measures. Enjoy peak performance by prioritizing your important work/tasks and employing proven tools, strategies, and technologies to help you achieve success and personal satisfaction on a job well done.

(READ: 7 Time Management Techniques for Busy People)