Work smarter, not harder
There’s often a dip in energy levels at this time of year as winter draws to a close, but we aren’t quite in the joyful embrace of real spring yet. It’s at these times, when many are feeling meh and don’t know why, that it’s good to take a step back and consider how to work smarter, not harder.
Working smarter, essentially boils down to two things:-
1. Don’t overcommit
Back-to-back meetings and multiple simultaneous deadlines are bad for the brain, and there are numerous studies to prove it. Trying to do too many things at once, negatively affects memory and productivity. If you find yourself facing an overly full calendar, see what you can reduce and aim to commit to about 80%, this will help you prioritise the most important things to do, and will allow you time to process the information effectively.
2. Be intentional
Time is one thing you can never get back, so make sure you are in control of it and not the other way around. If you work best in the morning, schedule your most complex tasks before lunch and use the afternoons for administrative functions or meetings, which require a different level of attention. In this way, you can get the most done without overburdening yourself.
Being busy doesn’t always mean being productive and effective. By slowing down and becoming more intentional about how we spend our time, we can maximise efficiency, enhance productivity, and foster innovation without burning out.
By focusing on streamlining your own processes, leveraging technology, and looking at things through a strategic lens, we can achieve more with less effort. Imagine working less for better outcomes and more free time for yourself. It is absolutely possible and recommended.
Yunus Docrat - Service Manager - KYOCERA Document Solutions South Africa
