Fastcompany.com recently released a list of interesting practical recommendations to handle more work during the same working hours. While these recommendations may seem to make it harder at first glance, you'll find that the opposite is true if you look more closely.
Take time to analyze your time
You may think you don't even have the time to even do your work, let alone some other analyses. However, it's certainly worth investing your time in carefully writing down what you do at work for one week. Only when you see clearly what you do all day, can you start to make your work more efficient.
Ask for help
Asking some of your colleagues for help and explaining what you want them to do may seem too time-consuming. Many people think it's better to do the work themselves. However, this only applies to activities you're really good at. Less important activities or tasks that don't match your skills should be delegated to someone else.
Don't work when you don't want to
Working smart doesn't mean working all day long. It's more important to follow your natural energy rhythm. Do the most difficult tasks when you have the most energy. On the other hand, when you're feeling tired, give yourself a break.
Plan how to use wasted time
During the day, certain idle moments occur, for example when you're waiting for a meeting, a call or an airplane at the airport. You can use these time slots if you prepare for it in advance.
For example, save important files on a cloud disk that you can access from anywhere and on any device. Also, when you prepare a list of phone calls or emails you have to deal with, these moments are the best time to get started.
Read manuals and attend training
Do you really use the technologies and devices you work with effectively? Reading instructions and attending training sessions can save you a lot of time. In addition, you may learn things that you wouldn't have realized how to do yourself.
Picture the reason for your efforts to work more efficiently
You probably want to work more efficiently in order to have more time for your family and hobbies, or simply to relax. It will help to put up photos at your workplace to remind yourself why you're actually doing this. You'll be able to better manage your procrastination, social networking, and other activities that prevent you from working efficiently.
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