If you learn to make your own the mantra "work smart, not hard", it will all be easier. Here are some simple techniques to practice to avoid boring tasks and save time.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: A matter of priority
Step 1. Make a to-do list
Before throwing yourself headlong into something, remember that enthusiasm must be tempered with wisdom. Take every aspect of the job into consideration and ponder your time to make sure every detail is completed on time and accurately.
Step 2. Follow the order of your list
You don't want to repeat steps, make mistakes, or forget something.
Step 3. Learn to say no
Avoid overloading yourself with work and be realistic about what you can accomplish in one day. Sometimes you have to back down because in most professions there is always something to do.
Step 4. Limit your goals
Try to avoid being multi-tasking, otherwise your brain will work slower. Choose a task to do and finish it before proceeding.
Method 2 of 4: The art of dealing with customers
Step 1. Communication is everything
Make sure clients know how long it takes to complete a project. Don't be swayed by the more insistent ones who rush you. Every business has more than one customer and customers must not forget that they are not the only ones.
Don't give the customer more than three options, or he'll be late in making a decision. For example, if you are an interior decorator and you say phrases like “Tell me which colors you are interested in”, that's the end! The customer will evaluate and re-evaluate each alternative and, even when he has made a decision, he will reconsider. Rather, focus on phrases like "Do you prefer this blue or this green?"
Step 2. Never take a bad job
If a client or boss is demanding too much or asking you for tasks that are beyond your reach and expertise, calmly explain your position regarding their proposals. In case you are self-employed, rejecting a project is sometimes much wiser; certainly, it is difficult to give up the money, but think that, accepting it, the game is not worth the candle.
Step 3. Make budget changes if needed
Do not accept complicated or expensive changes, which would upset the initial idea of the project. When you realize you are in uncharted territory, stop working and propose a new offer, motivating it in detail.
Method 3 of 4: Do more in less time
Step 1. Do not use low quality raw materials and tools:
they will create more complicated working conditions and waste your time.
Step 2. Be efficient
Work without having any distractions. Break the project into sections instead of completing it all at once. You will need to maximize your efficiency.
Step 3. Look for shortcuts
This does NOT mean that you should choose the simplest method or that you can afford to be lazy. For example, if you answer the same question that is asked by email multiple times, save one and use it again. You may need to make small changes, but the most important part will be ready.
Step 4. To each his own
Make sure you have a well-organized team and delegate the various tasks. If a person is particularly fast, ask them to take care of longer tasks. If a person is skilled and precise, ask them to take care of the most critical part.
Step 5. Avoid procrastination
Every time you waste time on the internet or check your personal emails, the day gets longer. Work hard when you have to and take your time off when you're done.
Step 6. Be flexible
Not everything goes as planned. Open your mind to the news.
Method 4 of 4: Take care of yourself
Step 1. Rest
In theory, you should sleep eight hours a night. Sure, you can work 12 hours a day but, in the long run, you will feel tired, have trouble concentrating and make mistakes.
Step 2. Break
Work hard for the first 50 minutes of the hour and give yourself a 10-minute break.
Step 3. You don't have to feel exhausted
Take care of yourself to work better. When you realize you are so tired that it takes double or triple to complete a project, take a day off. Take a siesta every afternoon to get in shape.
Advice
- Work when you can, avoiding leaving everything for the last moment. By finishing early, you can take care of any unforeseen events and rest. Don't give up on work in the middle when you shouldn't.
- When you are sick, stay home and rest.
- Learn to save. Working hard and spending it all doesn't mean working smart!
