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We have all heard that old adage that tells us to ‘work smarter, not harder’. While you probably remember someone telling you this while you helped with chores on the farm, it can sometimes be difficult to employ such wisdom to a modern business. How do you do it? What does that even mean in today’s world? When it comes to modern business, this mentality could not be more useful… but truth be told, it can definitely be hard to fit it in if you are not used to it. So, here are three tips that will show you how to work smarter instead of harder in today’s world, so you too can enjoy an even better quality of life. These tips will not only inspire you to attack your duties from a new perspective, but will also encourage you to use your intellect as opposed to your raw, exhaustible physical effort. Tip #1… Streamline the Process Do you find yourself putting vast amounts of time or effort into activities that are performed on a regular, consistent basis? If so, then streamlining these processes could save you a lot of time and effort. Finding the most time-effective and energy efficient way to get daily tasks accomplished is not only a way to ‘work smarter’, but is also a way to save your business valuable time and money… and if you are the boss, then it is up to you to come up with such methods for the areas you are responsible for! Every team member should have systems and processes for ALL of their respective areas. This can help to reduce training time and the time it takes to replace employees, either on a permanent or a temporary basis. Start by looking at everything that needs to be done and by identifying the areas of the greatest wasted effort or resources. How can you arrange or delegate activities so that they can be completed as efficiently as possible by the best person for each task? One example might be moving boxes from one end of the warehouse to the other. Instead of picking each one up and moving it individually, is it possible to pick up the entire pallet and just move them with a wheeled goose in one trip? Some situations might require some brainstorming, but keep in mind that there are always easier ways to do things… all you have to do to both save your company money and make your life just a little bit easier, is to discover a way to streamline the process, so that you eliminate excess effort. With current technology and continual advancements, you should always be open to new ideas. Tip #2... Use Your ‘Brain’, Not Your Back Try to find smarter ways of doing things, as opposed to methods that are going to cause you literal physical exhaustion. This can mean a number of things, and can be applied to a lot of areas of business. One example might be paperwork. While paperwork might not physically wear down your muscles, it CAN wear you down in general if you get buried beneath an entire pile of it! If at all possible, try to find a smarter way to get it all done so that you are not stuck in the office. One way might be to train someone else to help you with it. Or, you could try to take it with you and do it during odd ‘down times’ during the day. Consider implementing resources like Paper Tiger (http://www.thepapertiger.com/) or tools such as this to help you. Scanning papers into your system so that all of your files are electronically stored is also an option that many have been using for years. Your average day is probably filled with opportunities to use your brain instead of your brawn, so make the most of these opportunities by taking advantage of your intellect and the intellect of those around you… and don’t be afraid to ask for ideas and help from peers and mentors in the process. Tip #3… Set and Accomplish Daily Goals Setting daily goals for yourself can eliminate the temptation to do ‘everything’ at once or in a single day. By focusing your efforts on only the things that matter TODAY, you can save your energy for tasks that truly require your attention and that only you can do (those t