10 WAYS TO WORK SMARTER AND NOT HARDER
10 ways to work smarter and not harder
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SMART Targets
SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timed.
Specific – Make your goal specific so you can visualize the outcome
Measurable – How you measure the success of the goal
Achievable – It needs to push you without being unattainable
Relevant – It should be meaningful and contribute to your overall aim
Timed – Set a time frame for you to achieve the goal
This framework is used to reach a SMART goal.
For example, perhaps you want to increase interaction in team meetings. This is a goal, but it is not a SMART goal.
Writing this as a SMART target might look like this:
For the next eight team meetings, I will focus on increasing the amount
of staff engagement. I will email reminders in advance to all staff outlining my expectations. Dedicated time in each meeting will encourage the contribution and sharing of ideas. This means I can discover the business ideas of each team member.
Setting SMART targets helps focus your intention. You can determine precisely what you want to achieve.
This strategy is useful for gaining precise clarity and a growth mindset. It removes confusion and defines a clear way to move forward.
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Chunking, Not Multitasking
Multitasking clutters your mind leaving you unable to fully focus on one specific job.
Flitting between tasks and projects usually means that less is achieved overall.
It takes time for your brain to adjust to each task as you switch between them.
It can reduce focus on important tasks, and these priority items can be forgotten about.
Instead, it is wise to manage one task at a time. An alternative approach, chunking,
involves setting aside chunks of your day where you will dedicate time to one particular task.
For example, perhaps you need to respond to customer inquiries. For the next half an hour, this is the only task you should focus on.
Don’t allow any distractions or disturbances for this time. This might mean shutting your office door or moving to a quieter location.
When the time is up, move on to another task for a set amount of time.
encourage the contribution and sharing of ideas. This means I can discover the business ideas of each team member.
This approach means your brain can easily focus on the job. You will complete the work with attention to detail and less strain.
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Work in Rhythm With Your Body
Everyone has a different internal body clock. Note the times you feel most energized and the most tired throughout the day.
Link the types of tasks with your daily rhythm. Try and group similar tasks.
If you need to make many phone calls, write emails or organize paper files, deal with these in one block of time.
You will be motivated to complete these faster. This will create a sense of achievement. Plan your day so that analytical tasks are completed when you feel most energized.
Similarly, schedule more creative thinking tasks to times when you are not as focused.
If you are the most alert first thing, do the tasks that require the most brainpower. It would be a mistake to do this type of task after lunch when you feel like you need a nap. Don’t sacrifice your health and wellbeing. Get adequate sleep and eat a nourishing diet. Being aware of your needs will ensure that you can look after yourself. You will be able to fulfill expectations and accomplish your best.
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Prioritize
Taking the simplest task first can seem like an easy option. This is a problem if the easiest task then overshadows a bigger project.
Decide which tasks can wait and which ones are urgent. Then tackle the one that needs doing soonest first.
Start longer projects at the start of the working day. This means you are fresh and performing at your best
Each morning, prioritize your top three tasks. Do this by defining which ones will generate the biggest impact for yourself or your work.
Don’t move on to other tasks until you have achieved these. Quicker tasks that don’t require analytical thought are best completed at the end of the day.
Review your work schedule daily or weekly and see how you are benefitting. Then implement any necessary changes to your method.
Content per smartbrief.com
