Ever wonder what “working smart” really even means?

Or maybe you’re like me, neck deep, hours into something, wondering:

If and when the work straight SUCKS and feels harder than heck, does that mean I’m dumb or not doing it right?

First of all:

NO. No it does not.

And second of all, what growth-oriented humans like us know is:

You simply NEVER run out of things you could-should-would be doing.

Which means it very, *very* rarely feels like you have enough time.

So how do we get MAX results, while trying to strategically smartie-pants our way into working minimally?

Check out the #WorkSmart tiplist I personally keep on hand 24/7, starting with:

Set timers so you don’t fiddlefuck around

LOL. But seriously-

I told you this was my legit list-to-self!

And fiddle-effing around is something that too often sneaks around to bite me in the butt.

You know how it is-

It’s all fun and games until an hour’s gone by and all you’ve accomplished is three, fuzzy selfies with that new filter you forgot you saved.

Which, you and I both know you’re never going to show to anyone anyways.

And you’re absolutely not alone.

I got so guilty of such fiddle-effery that I’ve started setting timers to keep myself on task.

And I have to say, it’s been helping tremendously!

Whether you only have a quick 20 to commit or a few hours, setting a timer with the minutes you want to spend on a project can propel you to really get intentional about it, and make the most of every moment.

AKA: It will move you well on your way to #WorkSmart.

Speaking of which, leads us to tip #2:

Take intentional, mindful, complete breaks

EVEN if they’re just for 5-20 minutes!

Why, you ask?

Let’s take a peek at the facts:

According to a study done by University of Illinois, even brief diversions from a task can dramatically improve one’s ability to focus on that task for prolonged periods. [1]

You can check out the full article right here!

Moving on-

Keep your todo lists at 2-3 items MAX

Confession session: I’m the queen of long to-do lists.

No really- I’d say I’d show you my planner to prove it but I’m actually too embarrassed.

It’s truly THAT packed full with things I want to do, (as well as some other, semi-questionable side-notes and scratchy quotes).

But NOT anymore, because I’ve learned, OKK? 😉

And the bottom line of what I’ve learned is:

When your to-do list is to-too long it creates a sorry self-prophecy of struggle and a sense of overwhelm which ultimately leaves you feeling unaccomplished.

Even when you totally WERE accomplished- might I add.

Which is why I’m learning to keep my to-dos to only my essentials. Instead of listing everything I want to do and then those things mothers, I’ve started asking myself:

What are the top 2-3 things I can do today to feel good about myself and my progress?

Ready to try it?

Maintain a daily to-do list of two to three things ONLY, and POOF – say buy-bye to unnecessary overwhelm and anxiety!

And finally:

Initiate each morning with gratitude

You might be wondering, “WAIT, how is this about working hard instead of smart?”

And I’ll tell you how, right now.

You ready?

It’s really, REALLY simple.

Gratitude is the fastest and free-est way to happiness.

And when you start your day basking in the glory of some grateful, right-side-of-the-bed vibes, you instantly equip yourself with the compelling energy you need to continue on with your days to-dos.

Remember to keep this tip-list in your back pocket if it helps you and that I love you!

XO,

Kendra

Sources

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110208131529.htm