“Don’t Work Hard, Work Smart”
Could it be? I’m actually blogging again?! Yes… after a two month hiatus, I’m back to share my thoughts.
I want to share a quote with you: “Don’t Work Hard, Work Smart”
All of my life, I’ve worked hard. When ever I ask a friend to describe me in 3 words, (usually for one of these tedious college apps) their first response is “hard-working”. Then why is it, that despite all of my hard work, I don’t seem to achieve the results I desire? Well, I work hard, too hard. I want to do everything at once, and be the best at all of it, and as I’ve come to learn, that is a recipe for disaster.
I am taking a full load of classes, working 27 hours a week, applying to colleges for transfer, working as advertising director for a magazine, and an officer for the biggest club on campus (2 hours per week). On top of that, I have somewhat of a social life, and I’m in a relationship. It’s EXHAUSTING.
What has this hard work given me? A trip to trip to the emergency room and a withdrawl on my record.
If you know me, you know that I am in love with the term balance and believe that it’s the key to happiness… But as of late, a new word has stolen my heart. Discipline may just be the key to success. Because after all, discipline is needed for balance to exist, right?
All of us are quick to say “There are not enough hours in a day!” as an excuse to get out of working out, or doing that last assignment, or taking on a new task. But really, there is plenty of time- if you work SMART, not hard.
I have another quote for y’all: “When you give everything the time it deserves, you’ll have time for everything”. That is so brilliant. Easier said than done, but brilliant. Spend an hour to schedule out your week. Make time for REST. Make time for your HEALTH. Make time for your Family, and make time for your work. Everything else will fall into place. It may be hard to initially develop the discipline to stick to your new and improved lifestyle, but stick with it for two weeks, and I promise it will become effortless.
The old me would have taken extra doses of caffeine to make time for 6 hours of classes, 6 hours of work, 2 hours of meetings, dinner with a friend, and daily time with the boyfriend. The new me can now stop to look at the bigger picture, gauge how I’m feeling, and say NO. No, I can’t pick up your phone call right now. No, Let’s hang out next week instead. And No, I’ll just have to wait to take this class next quarter. That way, I can perform tasks to my best ability, instead of half-assing everything just to get it done on time.
So, if you’re like me, and feel constantly exhausted and overwhelmed, take a moment to reevaluate how you’re working. Make a few smart changes, and see what a huge change it makes in your life :)
