Work Hard or Smart?

There is this old myth many believe which is: Work hard. Increase your efforts. Give out your maximum. And you will be rewarded.

Nothing wrong with this. But did we also ask ourselves: Are we putting our efforts in the right place and task? Whom are we building? Does the task performed goes directly towards ourselves’ growth or it goes somewhere else? Using the overall big picture thinking, where does the work hard element fit in the personal and professional development formula?

When I see myself putting all my efforts in working hard only, it feels like a never ending cycle. It is like a process and doing but without thinking and reflecting. It is like working to move on and survive without a definite goal and purpose.

So if that is the case, what about working smart? What about it? How can we apply it? What does it mean?

Well it means to execute our efforts not only hard but smartly as well. It also refers to combine working hard with the right task in hand that contributes directly towards our personal and professional development and growth.

When I find people complaining and judging workplaces and unfulfilling careers, I recommend this instead: What if you focus on yourself, what could you do? Instead of blaming your manager, what self-development courses or methods you could take to improve in that area? Instead of complaining the lack of money, income and promotion from the workplace, what other ways you can think of that can contribute positively towards your cashflow and income?

So this is what I mean by working hard and smart. You work hard but also use your efforts wisely in a way that will develop your personal and professional self in the long-run.