The common suggestion that we “work smarter” instead of harder is a good one. Who wouldn’t want to do that? Often, however, this advice falls short of actually providing information about what it really means or how to apply it. Here are seven surefire ways you can start working smarter today!

1. Work Proactively

When you are planning a project or your tasks for the day, consider the impact of what you do now might have on your future productivity. A little extra time spent today on making tasks more efficient and simple will leverage tons of extra time for you in the future.

2. Get Organized

Before you begin anything, make sure you have a plan of action that specifies your desired end result and how you will achieve it. Prepare yourself in advance by securing all of the necessary supplies, materials, resources, and people. Organize any files, paperwork, manuals, reference information, etc. in a logical way so anyone could find it when it is needed. This will save you from having to waste time searching for stuff when you’re doing and refocusing your attention each time.

3. Standardize Activities

When you have activities you engage in on a regular basis, find a way to standardize your process. Do it the same way each time rather than reinventing it each time. If you need it written down, a flow chart is a much quicker reference than a written procedure. Each subsequent time you implement an activity, consider how you might simplify it or make it more efficient. When you discover steps that aren’t needed, eliminate them. When you find ways to do it more efficiently, incorporate them.

4. Automate Tasks

Find ways to help make parts of or entire tasks automatic. Today’s technology offers endless possibilities for this. Computer software can be utilized for list management — including your to-do list, data base management, budgeting, word processing, etc. Take a class or get a good manual so that you’re aware of possibilities you might not realize exist.

5. Streamline Your Workflow

Learn to look at the big picture as well as each individual task. There might be pieces you can combine or coordinate, reducing your total execution time. Batch similar tasks together and do them all at once rather than spreading them out (i.e. keep a list of every errand you need to run in town and when you have ten or more, make one trip to complete them all).

6. Eliminate Waste Project possible roadblocks ahead of time and make a plan for what you will do in those situations.

Pick out tasks that can be done if you run into a roadblock so you can continue working on something rather than waiting for something else to happen. Make sure you have the materials, supplies, equipment, training, resources, people, etc. you need up-front to avoid having to waste time looking. Keep your end result in mind and if you find yourself doing something that isn’t contributing to your goal, stop doing it. Consider whether or not you include unnecessary steps or rituals in your work style. Reduce time spent making corrections by up-front planning, pacing your workflow so you’re not in a rush, and working checks and balances into your process whenever possible.

7. Build Your Ability to Focus

The ability to focus or concentrate your attention onto one thing is a skill that can be learned and further developed. The ability to really focus in on one thing, like your task at hand, helps reduce natural tendencies to react to external distractions and interruptions. Activities such as meditation, yoga, and martial arts are wonderful ways to help increase self-discipline and focus. It’s also been said that the scent of mint can increase the ability to concentrate.

Donna Birk, Hutchinson, Minnesota USA
donnabirk@youcangetitdone.com
http://www.youcangetitdone.com
Donna Birk is a writer, trainer, coach, and Licensed Social Worker. She founded and operates “People Builders,” an organization devoted to helping people grow. Get a FREE goal setting guide and FREE E-zine at her website: http://www.youcangetitdone.com