5 Ways to Work Smarter, Not Harder
Looking to increase your daily productivity? The secret is to work smarter, not harder. Check out our five top tips below to create high quality work with less fatigue!
#1 Eat the frog
Mark Twain once said that if the first thing you do each morning is to eat a live frog, you can go through the day with the satisfaction of knowing that that is probably the worst thing that is going to happen to you all day long. A strange phrase to keep in mind, however your “frog” is actually your biggest, most important task, the one you are most likely to procrastinate on if you don’t do something about it. Complete this one first and spend the rest of the day in bliss.#2 Time limits
It’s time to really be frank with yourself. How long should a certain task reasonably take you? Without a time limit, some tasks that are more simple can be dragged out as we allow ourselves to take our time. Instead, give yourself a dedicated block of time that the task should be completed in and you are much more likely to finish it!#3 Switch off
This is especially helpful for those who have to manage their own time or work for themselves. Whilst you are the boss, or you are a work from home freelancer, you also cannot be contactable at all times of the day. Otherwise you will never get any work done! It’s time to unplug the internet connection, switch your phone on aeroplane mode and get down to business.#4 Out of office
Following on is the handy tool that is your out of office email. Letting your colleagues know that you are not contactable at the moment keeps you in control of your time. In 2019 everybody is reachable at all times via the internet and mobile phones, take control back and politely let those you email you know that you are dedicating time to some nitty gritty work and you will reply to them when you are back online.#5 Delegate
As a to-do list gets longer and longer it can sometimes feel like it will never end. Instead of wallowing in work, it’s time to reach out for help. If you have access to a team of staff, or the budget to hire interns/freelance staff, take advantage of this! Not only will you free up your own time for more important tasks, but other staff may be grateful for new learning experiences.Want to get in touch or see more… Website – https://www.hamperswithbite.com.au/ Email – info@hamperswithbite.com.au Phone – 1300 795 802 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/hamperswithbite/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/hamperswithbite LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/hampers-with-bite/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYoJRazq1646KS7cELnKZzw
Frequently asked questions
Working smarter means getting better results from your effort rather than simply putting in longer hours. It involves tackling your most important task first, setting realistic time limits, removing distractions, and delegating where you can. The goal is high-quality output with less fatigue and stress.
What is the eat the frog productivity method?Eat the frog is the habit of doing your biggest, most important or most dreaded task first thing in the morning. The phrase comes from a Mark Twain idea that if the worst part of your day is done early, everything after feels easier. It is one of the simplest ways to beat procrastination and build momentum.
How do time limits make you more productive?Tasks tend to expand to fill the time you give them, so an open-ended schedule often leads to drift. Giving yourself a fixed block of time for each task creates gentle pressure that helps you stay focused and finish sooner. Be honest about how long a job should reasonably take, then stick to it.
How can I stay focused while working from home?Reduce interruptions by putting your phone on aeroplane mode, closing email and messaging apps, and setting an out of office reply so colleagues know when to expect you back. Blocking out dedicated, distraction-free time is often more valuable than being reachable at all hours. Short scheduled breaks help you keep that focus through the day.
When should I delegate a task instead of doing it myself?Delegate when a job does not truly need your specific skills, when your to-do list is overflowing, or when someone else can do it well enough to free you for higher-value work. Asking for help is a sign of good time management, not weakness. It lets you focus your energy where it matters most.
What is a good way to thank a colleague or team for their hard work?A thoughtful gift hamper is a simple way to recognise effort and lift morale, whether for one person or a whole team. Hampers With Bite offers gourmet food and corporate gift hampers that suit workplace thank-yous, milestones and end-of-project celebrations. Each order includes a free personalised gift card so you can add a few words of appreciation.
Does Hampers With Bite deliver gifts to workplaces around Australia?Yes. Hampers With Bite delivers Australia-wide and you can choose Standard or Express delivery at checkout to suit your timing. This makes it easy to send a thank-you hamper to a colleague, client or remote team member wherever they are based.