The principle of "work smart instead of working hard" has been known for a long time. If you master these principles, your work life will be much smoother. Follow these simple steps to save energy, no matter what task you're doing.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Setting Priority
Step 1. Pay attention to the things you have to do, and limit your enthusiasm
Look carefully at all aspects of the task, and give yourself time to think so that the task can be completed perfectly on time.
Step 2. Outline the task, both in writing and in mind
After that, follow the outline in order. Do not let you repeat certain steps, rework the work of others, make mistakes, or forget an aspect of the process.
Step 3. Learn to say "no"
Avoid piling up work, and realistically calculate daily workability. Sometimes, you just have to say no because in some fields the work will never end.
Step 4. Limit your target
Avoid doing several things at the same time. By working on several things at the same time, your brain will have a hard time focusing, and you will lose productivity. Set a time limit when doing something, and take a break after that time is up.
Method 2 of 4: Dealing with Clients
Step 1. Control your clients by communicating effectively
Make sure your client understands the time it takes to complete a project. Don't be influenced by what the client says about time. Most businesses have more than one client, but sometimes your clients forget and think that their project is everything.
Don't give the client more than 3 choices. For example, giving out a paint catalog and asking the client to choose the interior color they want is a big mistake. The more options you give, the more likely your project will be delayed. Generally, clients will try all the possibilities and doubt their choice after choosing. In this case, instead of providing a paint catalog, choose one or two colors that you find appropriate, and have the client choose one of them
Step 2. Don't accept a bad job
Pay attention to your comfort zone. If you are forced to work on a project that is too difficult or beyond your capabilities, speak up! Sometimes, if you are a freelancer, the decision to let go is the better decision. Losing money is better than losing the client's trust.
Step 3. If necessary, renegotiate project costs with the client
Don't accept overly complex client revision requests. If you notice a client's request for revision has exceeded contractual limits, stop your work and renegotiate rates. Describe the work you are currently doing, and compare it to the scope of work stated in the contract. State the costs that the client will need to pay to get the project running again. However, the amount to be paid by the client still depends on the decision of each client. You can't manage the client's finances, but you can manage the efficiency of the work while working on the project.
Method 3 of 4: Work More in Less Time
Step 1. Pay attention to raw materials, and prioritize quality when choosing them
Cheap raw materials and work tools will make it difficult for you to work because the quality is not very good. Why save thousands of rupiah when buying raw materials, but spend much longer time to complete the project because the raw materials are difficult to process?
Step 2. Evaluate the working method
Use effective working methods, and avoid distractions while working. Do the work all at once, instead of in installments.
Step 3. Find the shortcut
Finding shortcuts doesn't mean you're lazy. For example, if you frequently reply to emails with the same sentence, save the reply as a canned response that you can paste and send right away. You may need to edit your reply as needed, but in the end you don't have to write the entire reply.
Step 4. Hand over the task to the right person at the right time
Make sure your team is well structured. Place fast-paced team members on tasks that take a long time, and place highly skilled team members on tasks that require accuracy.
Step 5. Avoid procrastinating on assignments
Keep in mind that the time you spend on Facebook or Gmail will take up work time. Force yourself to work, and enjoy some free time after work is done.
Step 6. Be flexible
Your day may not go as planned. Try a new way of dealing with work if you're struggling.
Method 4 of 4: Taking Care of Yourself
Step 1. Take a break
Ideally, you should get 8 hours of sleep every night. Of course, you can stay up late every now and then to do work, but your body will not be strong if you continuously work more than 12 hours a day. When you are tired, your concentration will decrease, and your performance will deteriorate.
Step 2. Take regular breaks, no matter where you work
Your brain needs rest in order to re-energize. Work for 50 minutes every hour, and use the remaining 10 minutes to rest.
Step 3. Recognize when your work will go to waste
Of course, you are not recommended to work until you pass out. Respect the health and integrity of your office. Forcing yourself to work when you're tired will only lead to mistakes. When you feel tired and your workflow slows down, end the work. Sleep so that your body is refreshed. Once refreshed, you can return to work. Also master the power nap technique.
Tips
- Learn how to organize money to make money work for you. Spending every penny of your hard-earned money is not smart.
- Work while you can. Don't wait until the deadline arrives so you don't rush into work. If you finish work early, you can use the free time to rest, play, or just in case there is extra work. Don't run away from work too often when you're busy.
- When you are sick, rest until you recover. Your work accuracy will decrease when you are tired or sick.
