Work Smarter Not Harder: Practice These 5 Routines

This post was most recently updated on January 23rd, 2024

[A collaboration post – all thoughts are my own.]

The phrase “work smarter not harder” has echoed through countless motivational speeches and self-help books, but what does it truly mean, and how can it revolutionize the way you approach success?

Let’s start by acknowledging the value of hard work. It’s a principle that has been drilled into our minds since childhood, with our parents and teachers emphasizing the virtues of effort and endurance. And they’re right; anyone can put in hard work—it’s a matter of determination.

Hard work is often associated with personal accomplishments and financial rewards, and indeed, these can be the fruits of one’s labor. But there’s another dimension to this pursuit, one that’s often overlooked—the concept of working smarter not harder.

Work Smarter Not Harder

What exactly does it mean to “work smarter not harder”?

It’s a philosophy rooted in the belief that success isn’t solely about the number of hours you put in but rather how efficiently and effectively you use those hours. It’s about finding the balance between ambition and exhaustion, between grinding and thriving.

Picture this: You’re at your desk, deeply engrossed in your work, accomplishing tasks with a sense of ease and finesse. Your to-do list diminishes, and you still have energy left to pursue your passions outside of work. That’s the essence of working smarter, not harder.

The importance of optimizing productivity and efficiency cannot be overstated in today’s demanding landscape. Our time is a finite resource, and how we choose to allocate it can make all the difference in our personal and professional lives. When you work smarter not harder, you not only accomplish more but also reduce stress, improve your overall well-being, and create space for creativity and innovation.

Working smarter isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a strategic shift in the way we approach our tasks and goals. At its core, it’s about time and efficiency. Instead of blindly pouring hours into a task, working smarter means optimizing your approach, finding ways to accomplish the same or even more with less effort. It’s not a skill reserved for a select few; it’s a mindset that anyone can cultivate.

It’s important to recognize that being busy doesn’t always equate to productivity and success. In fact, it can lead to a perilous path of overwhelm, burnout, and an unsettling lack of balance in life. So, without further ado, let’s start with the routines and strategies that I’ve been implementing over the past few months to work smarter not harder. These practices will not only optimize your productivity but also grant you the gift of time—a priceless resource we often squander in our relentless pursuit of hard work.

Create a work routine

Having a flexible schedule as a freelancer is like a golden ticket to work whenever and wherever you please. Pajamas all day? Why not! But amidst this glorious freedom, there’s one thing that’s been my secret weapon: routines.

Why do you need a routine to work smarter not harder? Well, because routines keep you grounded. They’re like a trusty sidekick that helps you slay your freelance responsibilities. And guess what? You can create a routine for pretty much anything – your bedtime, your social life, your work, your morning ritual, and more.

When you develop a solid work routine and stick with it, your brain kicks into autopilot mode. It’s like having a supercharged productivity engine that purrs along effortlessly. Imagine this: you’ve got your work routine down pat. You know exactly when your creative juices flow like a river and when it’s time for a quick break. Your brain knows the drill, and it performs tasks more efficiently than ever.

Protect your time

Who wouldn’t be mesmerized by that cape-wearing, time-bending sorcerer, right? But let’s not just fangirl/fanboy over our favorite actor and superhero – Doctor Strange-inspired time management wisdom.

Dr. Strange is a constant reminder that time is our most precious and limited resource. Just like he guards the Eye of Agamotto, we too need to protect our time fiercely. After all, it’s the only thing we can’t conjure more of.

So, how do we become time wizards in our own right? It all boils down to some pretty powerful skills – mastering decision-making, asserting yourself at work, and laser-focusing on what truly matters. Imagine that you’re in control of the Time Stone, just like Doctor Strange. You can make choices that warp reality and shape your destiny. Well, maybe not quite like that, but you get the idea. When it comes to guarding your time, you’re the one holding the amulet.

One of the most potent spells in your time-guarding arsenal is learning to say no. It’s like Doctor Strange saying “No” to Dormammu over and over again until he saved the day. Recognizing that you can’t achieve your goals if you’re burnt out is your ticket to prioritizing yourself and confidently uttering that two-letter word – “No.”

The key takeaway here? You’re the true Sorcerer Supreme of your time. So, channel your inner Doctor Strange, protect your time like it’s an Infinity Stone, and watch as you become the master of your own destiny.

Organize your environment

Next, let’s talk about that often underestimated yet mighty factor in your daily productivity: your workspace. You’re settling in for a day of work, but your desk looks like a tornado just passed through it. Not exactly the Zen-like environment you need for laser-focused concentration, right?

Start with a clean slate. Begin your day with a desk that’s as clear as a fresh canvas. Trust me; it can work wonders for your concentration. But it’s not just about the desk – your digital and paper files need some love too. Regularly decluttering these can be a game-changer. Think of it as tidying up your mental space.

Work on the right tasks

To work smarter not harder, it is important to distinguish between urgent and important tasks. Urgent tasks demand immediate attention, and the consequences of not addressing them are immediate. These tasks may be associated with achieving someone else’s goals. On the other hand, important tasks have outcomes that lead to us achieving our own goals, whether they are professional or personal.

Let me provide you with an example from my job as an English-Indonesian translator. In a month, I receive emails from clients asking me to translate small projects (4,000-5,000 words) or larger projects (8,000 words+), and I subtitle 240 minutes of runtime per week. Sometimes, I have to decline certain offers because the rate they offer is below my standard fee, and the payment terms extend beyond 45 days. Focusing on the right tasks has been incredibly helpful in reducing my anxiety, especially when dealing with multiple projects simultaneously.

As a blogger myself, I have always considered joining ad programs to increase my income. However, while I enjoy reading others’ content, I wasn’t thrilled about ads that covered half the page and slowed down the website. This made me ponder – if I dislike intrusive ads on other websites, why should I incorporate them on my own?

I am not against the idea of placing ads on your website. I fully understand that ad revenue is vital for small business owners, so I won’t claim that using ads is a negative practice. Personally, I hold my blogs and audience in high regard. I am concerned that ads may deter my audience, which is why I choose not to use them on my website or social media platforms, where I am genuinely grateful for the number of followers.

Giving yourself rest and reflection

After working at home for two and a half years, I’ve learned to make more time for rest and reflection. I’ve fallen in love with the idea of organizing my life. I find joy every time I plan my day, and it’s incredible how the transformation has happened. Being productive has become the key both in work and in leisure.

I used to dismiss the idea of taking care of myself and spending more time with my family when working in the office. I would go to the office at 9 and get home around 6, often finding myself really exhausted. Now, the interesting thing about working at home is that I have enough time to work on my freelance jobs and more than enough time to enjoy moments away from it as well.

Practicing work smarter not harder will bring a wide range of benefits. Not only will it smooth your work method, but it will also benefit your mental health. Reducing stress while working will positively impact yourself and those people around you. There is no need to work 24/7 just because it is possible. Learn some time-saving strategies and improve your life as a result.