Working smarter involves optimizing the way you work. There are many strategies that can help you manage the way you work. You also don't have to use a typical to-do list app. For example, my go-to task organization tool is Notion, where I can braindump tasks and swap them around easily. (Nicole Replogle takes a similar approach and has a to-do list template for you to get started with.) Maybe you'll get the most mileage out of Google Sheets or Gmail, even. Working smarter is all about using your time well, and focusing on the stuff that has the most impact on your success. It’s about taking time to reflect and revise instead of just mindlessly drudging on and using the time to strategize now that can pay off later. If the idea of handing over the reins makes you queasy, you can learn the ropes here: Delegation — Leveraging Your Time & Resources. 8. Bring in Experts and Consultants

What if you’re unable to shrug off frustration or negativity? Take a moment to step away and clear your thoughts. Chances are you won’t be contemplating over it 15 to 20 minutes later. If you’re home, try engaging in a relaxing activity that prevents you from reflecting on things that cause you stress. Think of it this way: a solid daily routine is your secret weapon for success. Every tweak and improvement, even as small as shaving off 10 minutes from a task, adds up big over time. If you’re looking for entrepreneurs who are well known for their smarter ways of working, you can look no further than Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Bill Gates.

Sure, you could do all these things yourself, but why would you when you’ve got all these apps waiting to help out? These are some of the simplest ways to work smarter, not harder, and improve your work-life balance. 7. Focus your time on results Multitasking clutters your mind leaving you unable to fully focus on one specific job. Flitting between tasks and projects usually means that less is achieved overall.

As an individual, a collective, a business, or an organization you have only so much energy, resources, and time to get what you need to be done. Someone can spend hours churning ferociously through busy work. Whereas someone else could spend two hours devising a strategy that will pay off for the next five years. When you find yourself at a standstill with work, it's helpful to have a change of scenery. You can't do your most important work if you feel trapped inside. Getting outside for some exercise relieves stress, calms you, and centers your focus. If you have extra time over your lunch break, try walking to the nearest park and breathing fresh air. Your mental well-being will thank you. 9. Adjust your attitude

2. Get enough rest

Asking for help should not be thought of as a weakness. Speaking to others can allow them to share their talents and expertise. Her automation app of choice is Zapier because it supports such a wide range of apps. Thanks to all the time she saved, she could focus more on tasks that need dedicated attention, like data analysis and maintaining client relationships. Beyond helping your productivity, managing your stress will help you become more resilient in all areas of your life. 15) Manage your time wisely To avoid perfectionism, focus on making progress towards your goals instead. Do the work to the best of your ability and move on. Alternatively, do the first part of a project that you’re great at and find other people to work with you on the rest. Big-Picture Perspective: A week-wide lens helps you to stitch your tasks into your bigger ambitions. This isn’t just a to-do list; it’s your strategic ally, nudging every effort a step closer to those end-goals.

The ability to prioritize is a highly valued skill in the workplace because it helps you stay aligned with what’s important to both you and your company. Once you identify what needs immediate attention, you can center your focus on those tasks for the day and complete the most urgent tasks before moving on to those that are less critical. Feel free to use the assistance of productivity apps at work to give you a boost in this area. Learning how to prioritize at work will leave you feeling more productive and less anxious. 5. Set workday goals Efficiency relates to the quality of work you produce. If you are working smarter, you will create a better quality of work.Your time and energy aren't things you should waste. Working smarter values your energy and optimizes your time. It helps you spend less time burning your energy and more time saving it for other important things. Similarly, you need to use the right tools for your business. Start by investing in a high-quality mouse, keyboard, webcam (if you do video conferencing), and headphones. Wasting time fiddling with cheap tech just eats up your day, so do your research to find tech that will meet your needs. You should also carry a power strip with you wherever you go, so you don’t have to hunt for multiple outlets.

Work smart, not hard by understanding where you’re most productive and focus on being effective rather than efficient. 4. Focus on progress, not perfectionIt also helps to plan your work several days in advance. At the beginning of each week, look at what’s coming up and make a plan. Schedule important tasks that require more effort and thinking in your most productive hours each day. Save the less demanding routine tasks for the rest of the day. Your prioritized tasks will receive your best energy. You might have a hectic schedule of meetings or networking events. Remember it is ok to say no to things if they don't align with your current goals. 10. Remain Open