4 Ways to Work Smart, Not Hard.
Posted on Thu, Oct 28, 2010 @ 08:34 PM
Guest post by Stacy Yamaoka:
Although it is counter-intuitive, working longer hours does not make you more productive. If you are reading this blog, you are motivated, hard-working and looking to succeed. But, when does working hard cross the line to over-worked?
There’s a difference between working hard and working smart. Working smart means getting the job done and having fun while doing it. It does not involve working long hours because it is expected, or giving up your lunch because of that upcoming deadline. Working smart means understanding yourself and maximizing your talents. Here are a few tips to help you along the way:
1) Recognize your internal clock.
When are you most productive? For example, I get 80% of my work done between 7AM – 10AM. This means that on a daily basis, I go to bed early so that I can wake up and start my day early. There are a few benefits to this method:
A) Quiet time with little interruption
B) Getting ahead of the cue. Since most people do not start working until 1-2 hours later, you can send out your emails and wait for other people to respond.
2) Socialize
Being successful is not just about working hard, but about building a strong community within the workplace or with partners/vendors. When it comes to that next promotion/client, you want multiple people supporting your potential evaluation, not questioning who you are. Socializing is also a great way to build bonds with friends and colleagues making your day more enjoyable. By learning what is going on in their lives and at work, you might just discover a better way to do that task you hate!
3) Take a Break. Take a vacation.
Do not work 10 hours straight. Do not work 365 days a year. It is fine to push the boundaries, but everyone needs a break sooner or later.
- Every 2 hours, Take a break. Stretch. Get outside and walk around the block. Talk to your co-workers.
- Take a vacation 2x/year. It could be a staycation where you do nothing all weekend, or a weekend away in Napa. Drop your responsibilities and relax. No work allowed!
4) Find Your Inner Happiness.
Most importantly, find your inner happiness. People do business with people they like and trust. People are naturally attracted to pleasant people. Find whatever it is that excites you. The energy that you get from daily inspiration will transfer to the warmth that you bring to the office. It will make you better at your job, and more fun to be around.
These 4 tips to work smart instead of hard may seem counterintuitive because you are working “less”. But, by investing in yourself, you are investing in doing a better job and showing people the great job that you can do. Best of luck and happy working!
About the Author:
Stacy Yamaoka is an entrepreneur, online marketer and web video innovator. She spent her early career in Los Angeles and New York City at agencies that include Ogilvy & McCann. After 4 years on Madison Ave., Stacy left the online marketing world to pursue her passion for entrepreneurship with businesses that include Marry Me Live and BayAreaBrideGuide. When not running her business, you might find Stacy advising startups and small to mid-size businesses on marketing strategy.
To learn more about Stacy Yamaoka, visit her blog at www.stacyyamaoka.com or contact her via twitter @stacyyamaoka.