Age teaches a valuable lesson; it's better to work smarter than to work harder. This epiphany may be because it is more difficult to physically do as much as someone younger, or because with age comes wisdom. No matter the reason for the epiphany, the outcome is the same. It's best to work smarter not harder.
Technology has helped and hindered in this area. We're busier than ever, but not necessarily more productive (how much time did you spend surfing the net or reading e-mail jokes today?) Being busy and unproductive is tantamount to working harder whereas being productive with time to spare is called working smarter.
Here are a few tips on how to implement working smarter rather than harder:
- Take a good hard look at what you've been doing. Think about everything you did over the past few years (or maybe longer) that got you to where you are now. Keep whatever works and discard what doesn't. For example, just because you always paid bills by hand, writing all 67 checks each month for the business doesn't mean that it's the most efficient way to handle the situation. Maybe its time to learn about electronic banking and/or financial software to speed the bill paying process.
- Learn to delegate. People who love to be in control have a difficult time with this one. Take the time to teach capable people to do the things that hold you back from doing what you do best. There are people who enjoy doing what you don't like to do so why not let them? It will free up your time and give you the opportunity to do more of what you like to do. Sounds like a smart move, doesn't it?
- Connect with a few complimentary people. No, you're not looking for people to flatter you, you're for people who thrive in areas where you fall short and visa versa. Find a yin to your yang. If, by nature, you're a detail oriented numbers cruncher type of person, don't go into business with another detail oriented numbers cruncher. There won't be numbers to crunch because no one is out marketing and drumming up new business.
- Make a plan. Unless you get a kick out of running around putting out fires, it's best to plan your day. Planners are pro-active people who are in better control of their day rather than non-planners who run around all day reacting to situations, not controlling them.
It's not really that hard to start working smarter. It just takes a little planning.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Felicia A. Williams is a freelance writer and webmaster of this website, Visit Hudson Valley.com and No Job for Mom.com. She is also the Insurance Feature Writer for Suite 101.com
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