Work Smarter, Not Harder

"Hard work pays off it takes time to progress.  Life's full of ups and downs and I'm not settling for less.  Life is what you make it, you want it? Go and take it. It doesn't happen over night, it all started in the basement.  I work hard to be the man and i'd be damn if I waste it."

When you are spending a desirable amount of hours busting your ass for minimal progression, you are simply wasting your time.  Everyone likes to pride themselves on their work ethic.  For the mostpart, hard work seems to be the most admirable.  There is a certain misconception that simply because you work hard, you are being productive.

I may be the largest advocate for "work smarter, not harder".  A man (or woman) isn't defined by the blisters on his hands or the dirt under his nails.  He is defined by the accomplishments and improvements that were possible through the hard work.  These achievements can be reached without breaking a single physical sweat.

There certainly are occasions that call for hard work and dirty hands.  But this isn't the case for every situation.  It is important to understand the difference between hard work for a purpose and hard work to appear busy.  

There are 2 types of workers; doers and thinkers. Doers will never make a difference in this world.  They will continue to do what has already been done.  Little by little they will make the world more efficient.  Thinkers have the ability to make the world a better place.  They will think of solutions to create improvements.

It is those who think then do that actually leave an imprint on this world.  The Steve Jobs, the Richard Bransons, the Mark Zuckerbergs who actually believed in their thoughts enough to make it a reality.  Something you could touch.  Something you could see.  There is no one who will believe in you or your ideas more than yourself.  Innovation is the result when thinkers become doers.

If there is one thing I can take from the past year, it is no matter how full your schedule seems to appear, it is important to leave a black space.  A space capable to fill at any time.  A space to take a few minutes to clear your mind, to grab lunch with a friend, or to call a family member you haven't spoken to in months.  When we are constantly working hard we tend to forget what we are working for in the first place.


Work smart, work hard, but most importantly take a few deep breaths to enjoy your pursuit.