7 Tips to Help You Work Smarter, Not Harder

Published May 1, 2014 by TNJ Staff
Career
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smart-work-tipsStart working smarter. It will bring you better results.

Why work harder when you can achieve the same results by working smarter? Well, for starters, a lot of people don’t realize that they can get better results by doing so. In addition, it is very easy to fall into the trap of working all the time, to the extent of forgetting that your body and mind need some rest, too. So, how can you stop thinking about work and take time out when you need to? Here are some ways by which you can start working the way you should.?

How to Work Smarter: Some Tips to Consider

Create an effective to-do list. Instead of writing down a lot of things on your list, identify three of your most important tasks for the day, tackle them as soon as you can and finish them before moving on to other tasks. Write your to-do list the night before to make sure you are ready to get things done first thing in the morning.?

Measure results. Rather than measuring the time it takes you to get something done, gauge your productivity by listing the tasks you accomplish throughout the day. This will motivate you to get more done in less time and helps you maintain your focus all throughout the day.

Identify time wasters. It will be extremely helpful if you can identify what sucks up your time to make the necessary changes. ?

Take a break. To be able to work smarter, you need to take a 15 minute break after working for about 90 minutes or so. Taking periodic breaks refreshes your mind and increases your productivity. If you can’t afford to take 15 minute breaks, then consider taking shorter breaks all throughout the day to keep your mind sharp.

Better yet, take a nap. Studies indicate that napping reinforces our ability to think creatively, improves the cognitive function of our brain and helps us process and retain information better. It also helps us avoid burnouts.

Commune with nature. Spending time in nature helps since it lets you unwind and relax your mind. As such, you can reset your attention span and focus longer when you return to work. So, take a walk in the park. It will do you a lot of good.

Learn how to leave work behind. Some people may find this difficult but you need to learn how to leave work behind. You can do this by setting a firm cut-off time, planning a cool activity after work, or simply creating a relaxing wind-down routine.?

Remember, you can increase your productivity without spending excessive amounts of time at work. Start by working smarter, not harder. You will definitely love the results.

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TNJ Staff