In today’s fast-moving world, a major problem being faced by most people is having too much work and not enough time to do it. What is the solution? The most basic solution is to fine-tune your time-management skills by working smart. It is only by using your working hours more efficiently that you will be able to manage all you have to do and not come under an attack of stress.
Not only will you be more in control of your life, but you will also be more secure in your job and simultaneously able to manage your private life as well. In fact, you will be able to find the time to relax, enjoy your hobbies and LIFE. However, it all starts with WORK – are you feeling overwhelmed at work? If so, try out the following tips which will help you to stay on top of your work and in charge of your life.
How to work SMART
Work Smart by Planning
Make a to-do list of all you need to do so that you can easily keep track of your assignments and projects, if any. Regularly review the list to see whether you are on track and if necessary prioritize to ensure that you can complete all your work on time. In the current electronic era, it’s very easy to use calendars, planners, etc., to do so.
Use the 80 : 20 Rule to Work Smart
Using this method to strategize your work will really contribute and add value to your work. Question yourself – which part of your work is of most value to yourself and your employer. After you have identified it, focus your time and energy on those areas first. Then go on to do the rest.
Delegate tasks
If you have reportees, learn to utilize the resources provided to you by delegating to your subordinates at work. The same principle may be applied at home as well where, if your children are sufficiently grown up, you may utilize them to help where possible.
Work Smart by being Effective
In order to be effective, remember and apply this rule: tuck it, transfer it or trash it. First thing in the morning, look over every letter, memo, or e-mail message you get. If it’s important, handle it ASAP by putting it in a folder marked “URGENT” or delegate it to someone else to take care of. If it’s irrelevant or something you’ll never look at again, trash it. Handle your mail the same way at home. This will reduce your clutter and help you focus.
Have a Contact Time
This should be your set time for making phone calls and interacting with colleagues. Having a time slot assigned for these activities will ensure your friends and colleagues will not bother you at other times, unless it’s really urgent.
Plan Ahead
You can be much more effective at beginning the day if you have spent 15 minutes before going to bed to go over what needs to be done the next day. It will help to kick start your day to an effective beginning and help you achieve much more.
It’s not about working hard but working smart
The concept of working smart rather than hard is not a new one. It has been around for years, and it’s a principle that has been followed by successful people across different fields. The key to this principle is time management. Managing your time well can help you achieve more in less time and avoid stress and burnout.
When it comes to time management, the first thing you need to do is set priorities. Ask yourself, what is most important? What tasks are urgent, and what tasks can wait? Once you have established your priorities, create a schedule that allows you to work on those tasks in order of priority.
