When I think about working smarter, I think of cultivating both more spaciousness and efficiency. Efficiency and spaciousness are important as both assist wellbeing, creativity and productivity. So how can you elevate your work and life by working smarter?

Rethink Productivity & Success
Transcend the traditional mindset that was likely drummed into you from a young age, that effort equals results. Instead, focus your time and energy on the areas of your work that you know maximise positive results. Pause for a moment, and also ask yourself what success truly means to you. Not your friend, colleague, or family but you. Now work to align your actions with your definition of success.

Embrace Boundaries
Set and commit to clear and strong boundaries particularly when ‘guarding’ your key priorities. Plan and commit daily to progressing these priorities. Ensure you build in some space for flow and flexibility. Reflect at the end of each day, whether your priorities or time were hijacked by something that wasn’t urgent and important? If so, what boundary can you implement to prevent reoccurrence.

Leverage Technology & Others
I recently attended Steven Bartlett’s Auckland 2024 Speaking Tour (British Entrepreneur and podcaster). Steven raised an important question to continually pose; ‘who not how’. Essentially, don’t spend time figuring out how (I’m adding here; unless related to a key skill you truly wish to develop) and instead find out who. In other words, delegate or outsource rather than waste time figuring out how. The who could also be a technology platform/AI to create more efficiency.

Cultivate Focus
Who is not plagued by distractions and information overload in today’s world? No-one! Work on cultivating laser-like focus. This is a prerequisite for working smarter. Techniques such as time-blocking, Pomodoro sessions (depending on your line of work), and a mindfulness practice all create stronger focus and intention which help to block out distractions.

Progress Over Perfection
If I had a life mantra this really would be it. Working smarter is ongoing journey, one of trial and error, and also continual refinement. Take time to pause and reflect on what’s working and where you tripped up. But also celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Check in regularly with your energy levels - how does your energy feel at the end of each day? What energised you and what depleted you. Make refinements from there.

Balance Efficiency & Wellbeing
Burnout is a very real threat in today's hyper-connected world. Sustainable contribution requires adequate rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Remind yourself that it is ok to take space, it is safe to sit and be still. The goal here is to strike a balance between work and life, where you can optimise your results without sacrificing your health and happiness.

Finally, enjoy experimenting with this area of your life. Pay attention to what happens, and most importantly how you feel when you make adjustments to help you work smarter. It sounds counter-intuitive but slowing down, cultivating more space, and bringing greater intention to where you place your time, 100% increases results, and better yet, it also increases your sense of enjoyment, meaning, and achievement.