How To Work Smarter, Not Harder

July 11, 2022 |

When it comes to work, there are a few things that always seem to go against us. We’re usually given a lot of tasks and then asked to complete them quickly. Sometimes we feel overwhelmed when trying to get things done, and our minds start to race. How can you cut back on superfluous tasks and get more done in less time? 

The answer is simple: Work smarter, not harder. Instead of trying to squeeze every last bit of productivity out of your day, you can concentrate your efforts on the tasks that really matter. We’ll explore 12 tips that can help you get more done in less time.

Plan Before You Dive In

It is rare for us to plan for the future, but this is the most important thing you can do to work smarter and get more done in less time. The most productive people plan out their days, weeks, and even months in advance.

When you plan your day, you can avoid the rush of spontaneous thinking--which frequently leads to a cluttered schedule and a distracted mind. When you plan your day, you can focus on the big picture, eliminate the unimportant, and get everything done on time.

Planning your day will also help you stay on top of the details that really matter. You’ll have a better idea of what to focus on and what needs to be delegated.

Get Used to a Simple To-Do List

The most productive people are also constantly looking for ways to work smarter and get more done in less time. One way is to get used to a simple to-do list. A to-do list is a list of the tasks you need to complete today. You can make it as detailed or as simple as you want, but it should have only two purposes:

- It helps you organize your day so you can prioritize what really matters.
- It keeps you from “multitasking,” or trying to do too many things at once.

While you can use a physical or digital to-do list, the key is to get used to it. Otherwise, you’ll be stumped when you get the urge to write down more things than you can possibly get done.

Start with small tasks

When you have a lot of things to do, it can be difficult to start with the big tasks. Instead, start with the small tasks and work your way up. This way, you won’t feel overwhelmed and will be able to focus better on the bigger tasks.

Turn Off Distractions

Your workday can be a lot more productive if you turn off the distractions. What are these distractions, you ask? These are anything that distracts you from your work--your email, texts, social media feeds, and any other pop-up that comes up in front of your computer.

Turning off these distractions can make your workday a lot more productive. In addition, it will also help you avoid being distracted by the unimportant, making it easier to focus on the important.

One way to turn off these distractions is to block your devices from distracting you. If you have your phone or laptop on you, don’t turn it on or close the lid. You don’t need it distracting you when you’re trying to get work done.

Set realistic expectations

One important thing you can do when working on tasks is to set realistic expectations. Don’t expect to be able to do everything on your list immediately. Instead, focus on completing the tasks that are easiest and most important. This way, you won’t feel overwhelmed and will be able to move on to the more difficult tasks.

Stay organized and focused

A good way to stay organized and focused is to keep everything in one place. This will help you focus on your task at hand. If you can keep your desk clean and your tools where you can see them, you’ll be more likely to complete your tasks. 

Use digital tools

Digital tools can help you work smarter. For example, online calendars are a great way to keep track of your work schedule. With tools like Trello, Google Sheets, Excel, and PowerPoint, you can keep track of your work as you go. This way, you won’t have to worry about forgetting important meetings or taking too long to finish tasks. You can also use an online tool called Evernote to jot down important ideas for later. With the right tools, you can get work done more efficiently.

Break tasks into manageable chunks

Another good way to reduce the amount of time you spend on a task is to break it into manageable chunks. This way, you’re not overwhelmed and your mind is not racing. By breaking a task down into smaller parts, you can focus on one part at a time and get started on it. 

Take breaks when needed

When needed, take a break. You don’t have to work for hours when you feel overwhelmed. Sometimes it’s best just to take a few minutes to relax and clear your head. This will help you have a clear focus on the task at hand and give you a fresh perspective.

Use a timer to track your progress

By setting a timer for a specific amount of time and then tracking how much time you actually spend working, you can quickly see how much progress you’ve made. This will help you stay on track and not feel overwhelmed when trying to get things done.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

It’s not always easy to work on your own. Sometimes we feel like we can do it all by ourselves, but that’s not always the case. To make sure you can get the job done and get the most out of your time, ask for help from colleagues, friends or family. You’ll be surprised how often they can offer valuable advice and assistance.

Avoid multitasking

Multitasking is a common problem among employees. In reality, you can only do one thing at a time. So, if you’re trying to do two things at once, you’re not really doing either one at full capacity. Try to limit yourself to one task at a time and keep a positive attitude about it.

When it comes to work, working smarter, not harder, is key. The tips outlined above can help you stay on track and get the job done quickly without feeling overworked or stressed.