Six Tips on Working Smarter, Not Harder

(Originally posted on LinkedIn)

“Either you run the day or the day runs you.”

1.  Set SMART goals

SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. Goals must have this criteria in order for you to make a solid plan that tracks your progress.  

2.  Create a daily plan based on your SMART goals

Your plan should include:

• Commitments/goals for the day (based on your yearly, monthly, weekly goals)

• Lunch...if you take one:)

• To-dos

• Actions

• 30 minutes to reflect and plan for the next day/week

3.  Time block

Get in the habit of time blocking, essentially scheduling out everything in your entire day. Doing this will be a big indicator of where precious hours are either being wasted or underutilized.

4.  Utilize an online calendar

Enter each blocked amount of time on your calendar. Set 15 and five minute reminders to help keep you on track!

5.  Execute your plan without negotiation

A plan without action is nothing but words. Do yourself a favor and commit to doing what you say you will. Execute your plan without question, you deserve the results that will come from doing it consistently!

6.  Learn how to pivot...quickly

The majority of us work in fast-paced environments, where there is no excuse to not complete what is expected of us...and more! Unforeseen projects or circumstances come up all the time, which means there might be days where we don't accomplish everything in our daily plan. This is where becoming a master of prioritization and pivoting is key. If you didn't fully accomplish what you set out to that day, reflect at the end of the day and pivot to allow time to do those things the next day!