How to Work Smart, Not Hard

Assess everything that needs to be done., Make an outline., Learn to say no., Limit your goals.

4 Steps 1 min read Easy

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Assess everything that needs to be done.

    Before you plunge into something headfirst, remember that enthusiasm needs to be tempered with wisdom.

    Look over every aspect of the job, and allow yourself ample "pondering time" so that you can be sure that every detail is accomplished on time and accurately.
  2. Step 2: Make an outline.

    Whether it's in your head or on paper, you should have a checklist in mind and follow it in order.

    You don't want to repeat steps, duplicate the efforts of others, make mistakes or forget anything. , Avoid over-scheduling yourself and be realistic about what you can accomplish in a single day.

    Sometimes you just have to cut yourself off because in most professions, there is almost always something that could be done. , Try to avoid multi-tasking because you often get less done since your brain is switching back and forth between tasks.

    Pick one thing to work on and put your best effort into that until it is accomplished.

    Set a time limit for when you stop working on the task at hand and take a rest.
  3. Step 3: Learn to say no.

  4. Step 4: Limit your goals.

Detailed Guide

Before you plunge into something headfirst, remember that enthusiasm needs to be tempered with wisdom.

Look over every aspect of the job, and allow yourself ample "pondering time" so that you can be sure that every detail is accomplished on time and accurately.

Whether it's in your head or on paper, you should have a checklist in mind and follow it in order.

You don't want to repeat steps, duplicate the efforts of others, make mistakes or forget anything. , Avoid over-scheduling yourself and be realistic about what you can accomplish in a single day.

Sometimes you just have to cut yourself off because in most professions, there is almost always something that could be done. , Try to avoid multi-tasking because you often get less done since your brain is switching back and forth between tasks.

Pick one thing to work on and put your best effort into that until it is accomplished.

Set a time limit for when you stop working on the task at hand and take a rest.

About the Author

J

Jerry Nguyen

Writer and educator with a focus on practical creative arts knowledge.

42 articles
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