Hutson & Houck
Everyday we hear, “It’s all about “the hustle” or “the grind” … but what if it doesn’t have to be. What if it’s not about doing more, but how you do what you’re doing. What if it’s about maximizing your potential instead. We want to do more, and if we want to maximize our potential. By the simple act of working smarter, not harder … we have the opportunity to get just as much done, if not more.
Oh how times have changed! Taking advantage of the newest technology often helps make things less time-consuming. By the introduction of the smartphone, we each have access to multiple mediums that provide assistance with speed, accuracy, and making more informed decisions. For example; with the introduction of Google Maps it is virtually impossible to get lost for any extended amount of time. We’re essentially cutting out the middle man on a wide array of daily tasks.
There are many ways a person can be more industrious in order to get ahead, here are some of our tried and true strategies and tools that can be used as a springboard to ideas of your own to help be more productive and save time each day.
Working Smarter Strategies:
- Avoid reinventing the wheel. Working smarter means not trying to reinvent the wheel. Consider your task, and recognize if it has already been done, and if there may be an easier way to do it. Often times, we find ourselves doing things the “long way” out of habit. Always look for ways to refine your job or make your tasks easier or quicker. Efficiency and effectiveness are desired above all.
- Pace yourself. Allow yourself time to process what needs to be done and determine your best options or alternatives. Analyze the project; see if you can complete the task in fewer steps. Can a new software or app reduce your workload?
- Allow yourself time to come back. After you’ve completed something, give yourself time to go back and take a second look. Often we can refine and simply something after a step back.
- Delegate. Acknowledging that you aren’t the best is half the battle. 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.
- Write it Down. It’s beneficial to develop a routine of keeping track of what you’ve completed and what you’re currently working on. This helps maintain transparency, hold accountability and keeps a record of your accomplishments. Records like this come in handy when applying for future positions, taxes, and future business endeavors.
- Show gratitude. You’ll develop a loyal network when you show them that you appreciate their efforts. Sometimes all the difference is showing a little gratitude for someone’s time. Gratitude and appreciation encourages people to want to work together again, and will help form future referrals.
Avoid being overworked and overwhelmed.
Practice working smarter not harder to avoid being overworked and overwhelmed.
Prioritizing your tasks and employing efficient tools, strategies, and technologies to help you succeed provides for personal satisfaction and a happier work/life balance.