‘We’ll rather select a lazy person to do the hard work because a lazy person will find an easy way to do it.’ We absolutely agree with this statement. However, this statement somewhat challenges you to evaluate your workflow and see if the output you get justifies the amount of energy you put into it.
Well, by this, we don’t intend to say that you should try to cut corners – instead, do the opposite. The goal is to maximize efficiency and produce the best work with less effort.
This is specifically important in a fast-paced environment. Turning projects around quickly will give you an edge over others, thus helping you fulfill organizational goals.
So, working smartly and quickly is a skill you can acquire, just like others!
Today, we will look at the difference between hard work v/s smart work so that you can determine what approach is the best for doing and completing your work!
Hard Work v/s Smart Work: What’s The Distinction?
We are all familiar with hard work because this is where we spend a lot of time and effort to complete a task. Whereas smart work is about doing the same quantity of work with enhanced efficiency & reduced input in time as well as effort.
In terms of hard work v/s smart work, both of them require a strong work ethic and quality commitment. But smart work allows you to complete routine tasks with efficiency.
Here is a closer look at hard work v/s smart work. Take a look!
- Time:
Hard work implies spending long hours on a task. On the contrary, smart work involves completing the same amount of work in less time.
- Quality v/s Quantity:
Hard work primarily focuses on quantity instead of quality, whereas smart work emphasizes on neither. The idea of smart work is to maintain a balance between quality and quantity.
- Processes:
Hard work is the default mode of working for everyone, i.e., getting things done without thinking of the ‘HOW’ factor.
On the other hand, smart work implies that you care about the work procedures as much as the task. This includes prioritizing, delegating, managing time effectively, etc., to achieve desired outcomes.
- Deadlines:
Hard work isn’t always an excellent method/ approach to achieving a goal within a deadline. Whereas smart work is about getting the work done quickly, thus making it a better option for finishing the scheduled things.
How To Develop Smart Skills In The Workplace
In order to know more about hard work v/s smart work, you need to understand why people are moving towards smart work as compared to hard work.
The first and foremost reason is that smart work helps meet organizational goals, eliminate unnecessary tasks, and optimize workflow.
But how to develop smart work skills? Well, here’s how you can do it!
- Say Bye To Multitasking
Having a lot of tasks can be daunting. In addition, the cerebral cortex pays attention to only one thing at a time. Therefore, multitasking puts a strain on your cortex as it tries to concentrate your energy and attention on too many different things.
Abruptly switching tasks can hinder your effectiveness because you are not able to devote enough focus and energy to each task.
If you find yourself jumping from one task to another, try to slow it by deep breathing. In addition, deliberate decision-making will enable you to focus on one task & resist the urge to take any other task before completing the previous one.
Thus, working on one task at a time can enable you to accomplish more!
- Take Breaks
If you are feeling overwhelmed with so many tasks on your to-do list, it’s vital to take a break! In addition, it’s a well-known fact that our attention span wears out after concentrating for too long. Thus, you need to ensure that you schedule downtown during the workday. During your breaks, make it a habit to get up, stretch a bit, drink water, and eat something.
To create this kind of schedule, one requires good time management skills. Moreover, setting time limits on how long you will work on a particular project can benefit your productivity to a large extent.
So, experiment with numerous breaking techniques until you find out what works best for you! Regardless of how long to take a break, remember you are doing a favor to your well-being and work performance.
- Schedule Tasks Based On Energy Levels
Knowing when you are most productive and efficient is a great way to work smarter.
Forcing yourself to do work when your brain is tired will result in unfavorable outcomes. But if you are optimistic and schedule your tasks for the day, it can really help you prevent workplace burnout.
Thus, working to your strengths rather than against them will help you get more work done and feel motivated.
- Track Your Time
It is vital to find the root cause of reduced productivity. Therefore, it is best to spend a few days tracking your time to review what sites you visit often. As a result, this will help you see what apps you need to delete or silence their notification while working.
There might also be a pattern while you are distracted. Once you notice those patterns, try substituting them with other good habits, like giving yourself some break without derailing your productivity.
- Block Your Calendar
Taking out time in your day to dedicate it to work keeps you organized and limits distractions. So, be mindful of how you schedule your day and try to manage any possible distractions that come your way.
Ask yourself:
- Are you a morning worker, but a daily meeting interrupts your flow?
- Do your colleagues come with many questions while you are in the middle of a vital task?
If you retorted YES to these questions, then it’s time to manage your calendar, schedule your time, and block notifications!
Do this and you’ll thank us later!
- Complete Your Tasks In Batches
Managing your tasks in batches can help you keep your momentum rolling. This will help you focus on one task at a time.
Be proactive and schedule your day for repetitive tasks. For instance, answer all your emails during a specific time of the day. You can also make use of a time-blocking strategy to divide your day into smaller time blocks.
This way, you will know when it’s the time to answer emails and organize yourself. For instance, if you receive an email, you’ll know if it can be handled later or not. As a result, this will limit interruptions while doing significant tasks or attending meetings, thus helping you ensure a better and more proficient workflow.
- Enjoy Outdoors
When you are at a standstill with work, a change of scenery/ place could help. After all, you can’t do the job if you feel trapped inside.
So, getting outside for some exercises can help you release stress and center your focus on one thing. Moreover, if you have some extra time, try taking a walk outside. Your mental well-being will thank you!
- Do Work That you Enjoy
It might sound cliche to hear that ‘Do What You Like’, but it actually makes all the difference!
Choosing work that you feel passionate about motivates you to do your best. In addition, it also makes your work feel less stressful.
We understand that not every task you do is enjoyable, but adding in the work you love will give you something to look forward to each day. As a result, your mental well-being will improve significantly.
So, reflect on what aspects of your work empower you. Then make conscious choices to approve them. Even if this means switching jobs, do it!
The Bottom Line
Being efficient doesn’t mean being lazy. On the contrary, as a hard worker, you must ensure that your input gives you the maximum output. So, if you could acquire smart work skills, you’ll be ready to thrive in today’s fast-paced work environment.
With the tips mentioned above, you are well on your way to balancing hard work v/s smart work. After all, it’s all about efficacy, efficiency, and managing time to enhance and improve your mental and physical health!
So, ensure you acquire smart work skills to finish work on time and efficiently!
