Do hard work. We have all heard it, and we all know that there is truth in that statement. This is something I have always lived by and I keep reminding my kids about it (although, let me be honest, I am not sure how much registers with them). Hard work, consistency, and discipline are all amazing character traits, and they will definitely help us reach the point which we consider to be a goal.
Practically speaking, a lot of times we can hit a roadblock. The effort we put in takes a linear course for a while but can plateau, stalling us from our big dreams and goals. Hard work does equal success. I do not want to change that mindset.
However, several successful professionals realise that it is their hard work that got them to where they are, but working harder might not be the answer to their next step. It can feel frustrating and confusing.
Why? Because more of the same, just produces more of the same.
This idea comes directly from Price Pritchett’s book ‘You Squared’. Hard work takes us to a place until the point where we might reach burnout or wake up exhausted every day with a looming sense of overwhelm and/or regret because of all the sacrifices we made in our personal lives.
Therefore, it is also important to work smart. The example Pritchett uses is that of a fly that keeps running into the window to make it outside to freedom. Over and over the fly runs into the window and literally works itself to death. All it needs to do is to turn 180° and go in the direction of an open door.
The fly was working hard but not smart. Amid its hard work, it was unable to see any other route. This is called The Law of Diminishing Returns.
The law of diminishing return happens when working harder, no longer produces an increase in results. Einstein has been credited with saying, ‘You can’t solve a problem with the same energy that created it’. To move forward, the answer requires a shift in thought.
We need a different strategy to move forward. A strategy that we believe in. It is our thoughts and beliefs that create our identity. Simply put, if our thoughts are constantly directed at feeling exhausted and overwhelmed continuously, there is no space for a new strategy. It’s like running into the window again and again.
Working hard or working smart, both demand dedication and focus on excellence. Working smart focuses on efficiency and strategic thinking. For those of us who work hard, it is crucial to ensure that the effort we put in yields the best results possible. Mastering efficiency is the key to excelling. Smart work means working efficiently to get more done in less time.
– It’s about using resources effectively to achieve the best results without compromising quality.
– Prioritising tasks by importance and urgency.
– Innovation plays a significant role in smart work. Embracing new ideas.
Combining hard work and smart work offers a balanced approach to achieving goals. While hard work emphasises persistence and effort, smart work focuses on efficiency and effectiveness. The magic happens when we blend these two approaches to enhance productivity and success.
A few pointers to help us work more efficiently and not just harder.
Avoid Multitasking: Multitasking can drain our energy as the brain needs time to refocus every time we switch tasks. It’s been proven to be more effective to focus on one task at a time and avoid a constant shift in attention.
Take Regular Breaks: The urge to avoid taking breaks and push through is something that we all have, however, taking regular breaks avoids the likelihood of errors in our work. Allocating specific time blocks for work and breaks makes our work efficient and of high quality.
Prioritise Tasks: This is sometimes more difficult than we think. Scheduling challenging jobs for the morning when we are recharged is always a better idea. Time-sensitive tasks should also be at the top of our list. This gives some leeway for unexpected delays.
Best Time to Work: Everyone has different times when their productivity is highest. Some people prefer mornings as the best time to work, but for others scheduling the smaller jobs in the morning and having the mind free to sit down on larger projects happens either late mornings or even after lunch, so figure out what works best for you.
Utilise Technology: I think this is self-explanatory. Even something as simple as email filters to automate daily tasks can boost productivity.
Health Matters: I feel this is a place where a lot of us go blindly wrong. We need to prioritise ourselves and lead by example. We are not much use to others if we exhaust ourselves.
Growth Mindset: Focusing on progress and growth in each task. This will automatically enhance our techniques to work smarter and achieve better results.
I will end my article today with a perfect example of smart work.
Rafael Nadal, one of the greatest tennis players of all time and winner of 22 grand slam titles. His other claim to fame is that he hits his forehand with more topspin than any other player on tour. It has been recorded at up to 5000 revolutions per minute. Counter intuitively the harder that he swings, the more spin he gets on the ball, the harder he can hit it and the fewer errors he makes.
Not as competent players, when they tense up, they tend to check their swing, in turn decelerate and get less spin thereby making more errors.
To be where he is today, Nadal has worked not only hard but smart. He realised his skill to manage such a topspin on his forehand and has perfected it giving him such an advantage that others can only aspire to.
Leading our lives like this can have the same impact that it does in tennis. If we put all our efforts in the same direction there is no advantage or skill to perfect. Whether it is a relationship or a career, they both require hard and smart work or else we will fall into the thing we are trying to avoid….a rut.
If we take a ‘half swing’ to our dreams, they will always remain dreams. We get one life. We need to get out of our heads, stop hedging AND TAKE A FULL SWING!!
