Did you find yourself pulling too many all-nighters last year? Were you constantly stressed, overworked, or in lack of free time? A new year is a fresh start, and this means that there is an opportunity for you to learn how to work smarter and not harder.
A good way to do this is simply to cut back on all of the things that are cutting your productivity or are simply not helping you to achieve your goals. The truth is, "don't nobody got time." So make time for only the things that will serve you. Here are five ways to work smarter, not harder:
1. Cut down the extra stuff.
Extra stuff includes: Helping out others when you don't have the time, volunteering when you don't have time, doing favors for family members and friends (especially if it's unpaid), always saying "yes" to hanging out with people you're not really interested in, cleaning (especially after others), working more than one job (especially if it's not needed).
2. Plan ahead.
Literally, just make time to make time. Whether it's during the weekend or when you have a gap in between your classes, take out your calendar or your journal and write down all the things that are due, all the things you have to do, and all the things you want to do and the events you want to attend.
This will give you a good snapshot of what your week/month/day will look like and it will save you time and energy.
3. Make time to waste time.
Don't forget to schedule in time for yourself. Whether it's catching up on Netflix, sleeping, working out, calling that good old friend- whatever it is, schedule it in. Also, schedule time to slack off. When you add in an extra hour or two to slack off into your calendar, you will already be ahead of any last-minute emergencies or inconveniences that may come your way.
4. Get the job done faster.
Write down an estimate of how long it's going take you to do each task that you have to do. How can you do it faster? If you have to read a text and it's in PDF or Word, you can upload it to Natural Reader and have the text-to-speech read it to you at a speed that you like.
A one-hour read could easily be turned to a 30-minute read with the help of tools like these. Other tips to help you get to work faster is to simply put your phone on silent and turn the screen facing down, ignore all email notifications, and sit in an isolated area.
5. Prioritize YOU.
Stop putting others before you. Before you say YES to someone, say "I'll check my schedule first and get back to you." If you truly have time and can afford to say "yes," then do so. If not, then prioritize YOU and work on what you need to- smarter and not harder.
