Work Smarter - NOT Harder

WORK SMARTER - NOT HARDER Getting ahead in your career doesn't always mean sucking up to the boss or putting in Some simple mental tricks can improve your efficiency and the quality of your work -without keeping you in the office all night. Work in 20-minute chunks, followed by a few minutes of 41% physical activity such as walking to the water cooler or 60 hours a week. going to the restroom and taking If you don't need to respond to an email or speak up in a meeting this very second, wait five minutes. Percentage of workers who report being completely satisfied with the recognition they receive on the job a longer route back to your desk. Prime the pump; keep your mind sharp by reading things that challenge your assumptions orbeliefs. Read Keep a progress bar for a key project and fill in the sections as This period can help you form a response, and the added time may make If you've got a particularly challenging issue or project you always seem to put off, devote 30 to 60 minutes a day to that problem and that problem only. If you find yourself with an excuse not to you rethink your position entirely. something new and challenging every day. you complete a task. do it, simply repeat, "Do it now." DO IT NOW Off Got a job with a million little tasks? Break them into chunks; set a timer and get as many of the tasks done as you can within that time. DONE INBOX OUT TO LUNCH GOOD JOB! Don't allow your Keep a file of positive feedback and revisit it Don't let roadblocks put you in a funk. Pick some smaller communication methods Sometimes you just need to punt and try it again tomorrow. Take a half day or a day off to clear your head (and get some rest) and come back fresh when you are feeling particularly stumped or less than appreciated. to dictate what you get done in a day. Set certain periods of time throughout the day (say, three 30-minute periods) to tackle your email, cellphone and instant messaging. tasks you know you can truly complete. Use that momentum to create a snowball effect. the next day. 1 in 3 pa Workers who say they are completely or partially dissatisfied with their on-the-job stress TIMELINE OF WORKER SATISTFACTION Percentage of adults employed full time who report being completely satisfied with their jobs part time 1998 2001 2005 2008 2011 1 in 3 Workers who say they are enthusiastic about and actively engaged in their jobs 28% 41% 42% 48% 47% SOURCES: Slowdownfast.com - Businesspundit.com - Lifehacker.com - Gallup.com