Work Smarter, Not Harder

29 Sep Work Smarter, Not Harder

It’s incredible how much you can get done in a limited amount of time when you sit down and focus. When you pay attention to bursts of super productivity, you realize the secret to getting more done is not working harder but working smarter. The Compass Squad has been testing new ways to approach our daily tasks to create a healthier and happier team. Here’s what we found.

Multitasking is a Myth

Stop deluding yourself! We all think we can multitask, but in actuality, humans are not capable of doing multiple things at once. Instead, focus on one thing, complete it, and move on to the next. You will thank yourself later.

Focus on What REALLY Matters

Are you a list person? Does your team use a project management tool? Here’s the skinny. Quit putting so many tasks on your to-do list. It’s overwhelming and forces you to multitask, which is a no-no (see above). Keep your list mean and lean. Focus on the three to five most important and urgent tasks first. Start your day this way before moving on to the less critical tasks, and you will find yourself less anxious and stressed. Be sure you don’t save the most important tasks for later in the day, or you may not get to them, which could spell disaster!

Create a Results List

It’s genius! Instead of focusing on time spent working each day (eh em, the 8-hour workday), focus on your daily accomplishments. This lets your brain focus on creativity and results. Keeping a completed/done list can make you more motivated and focused each day.

Take Breaks

Hello? Are you still paying attention? Without regular breaks, we tend to get distracted, and our brain gets tired. Once you stop trying to multitask, incorporate breaks into your workflow and make the most of them.

Turn off Notifications

It’s hard to focus on the task at hand when you are constantly distracted by your email, texts, phone calls, and app notifications. Try turning them off when you need to be the most focused. Another idea is to give each alert its own sound so you know what is genuinely a critical interruption and what can be ignored till later.

Delegate

If you don’t have to do it, then don’t. Avoid burnout, work smarter, and be more productive. Delegation is an essential skill but not easy for perfectionists or micromanagers. The key to remember is you will feel lower levels of fatigue and be effective if you learn the power of delegation. Check out our recent blog, Tips to Avoid Burnout, where we show you how to lessen your overall stress levels.

Declutter your Space

If your workspace is a mess, it’s not only bad for your productivity, but your health too! Studies have found a direct link between clutter and stress (check it out here). Try to organize your space by getting rid of paper, trash, and unnecessary things. Don’t forget about your digital clutter! Yes, we’re talking about old files on your computer. Organize with folders and delete any unneeded files. 

Relieve Stress

We all know the dangers of too much stress in your work life. Remember our blog on Maintaining a Healthy Work-Life Balance? Too much stress can cause physical, emotional, and behavioral problems, impacting ALL areas of your life. The good news, it’s easy to take preventative measures to fight these effects. Do things you enjoy, get outside, set a schedule(and stick to it), and read up on the Compass blogs! 🙂 

Try incorporating at least one or two of these suggestions, and you will notice a difference in your day right away. You’ll be feeling more confident and inspired before you know it!