Five Ways to Get More Done With Less Work

less is more
Many people look at their workdays and wonder how they can get more done in less time. Although delegation and outsourcing may not always be an option, there are ways to get more done in less time and with less effort.

Getting More Done Quickly and Efficiently

One great way to get more done in less time is to stop. That’s right, stop! If you’re over-worked and stressed out, you won’t get nearly as much done and you’re more prone to silly mistakes and illness. Sometimes you need to take a break and completely separate yourself from work. You’ll find that taking a break is just what you need the most – even if it seems to be the opposite of what you should be doing. The best part: once you come back to the task, you’ll feel refreshed and more creative!

What Do Your Priorities Look Like?

You need to make an organized and frequently updated list of priorities. When you prioritize outstanding tasks, you’ll suddenly find that all of the work on your plate really is manageable. You can prioritize using letters or numbers so you clearly can see what needs to be done and when it needs to be done by.

Combining Similar Tasks

The next thing you need to do is combine tasks that can be done at the same time. For example, plan out your errands so they can all be done in one trip, instead of multiple trips throughout the day or week. When it comes to work, you can group similar tasks that require the same tools or resources so they can be done more efficiently. Since you have already organized your priorities, you’ll be more aware of what needs to get done, so you’ll be able to better combine similar tasks.

Getting Help

You can only do so much alone, so ask for help! You will be able to accomplish much more with less time and effort when you work with other talented people. You may be able to ask a colleague for help or even hire your own personal assistant from a freelance website like Elance. It’s not as expensive as you think!

Having an assistant can help you re-gain your time and save your energy so you can get the important tasks done. Give your assistant the trivial tasks and save yourself for the rest. You also may find it fun to have someone working with you on a shared task or goal.

Using the Power of Affirmations

Affirmations are another tool that can help you get more done with less work. These simple statements can help you maximize your time by focusing on the positive. For example, in moments when your work seems overwhelming you can say something such as, “Each simple, completed task propels me towards success.” Repeating these affirmations will give you a positive state of mind that just may be the extra push you need to get more done with less work and in less time.