We have always been taught that hard work is the key to success in life. Certainly it is! There is no fruit without sincere, persistent hard work. But in the current scenario where the competition is sky high and environment is fast changing, we do have a better option to accomplish our goals: smart work. Hard work is a path where the direction is unplanned and the goal very difficult. Smart-work is all about executing according to a pre-plan armed with knowledge gained from our previous experiences.
Hard work or smart work?
Hard work imposes pure dedication in order to achieve an outstanding result with minimal errors. This particular methodology struggles for perfection at every stage of execution. The branches of smart work are growing up from the seed of hard work.
We all truly believe that shortcuts are discovered by smart people. It does not mean that they are lazy; it shows their priority for each passing second.
Advantage of cherishing the journey
To derive the shortcut techniques, smart-work would lead to mental stress. Smart work is formulated with accuracy and good command of the subject that we are dealing with. Hard workers give their sweat and blood into a project and look forward to error free delivery.
However, failure is bound to happen at some point of time. This is when smart workers have the advantage of cherishing the journey and learning from the mistakes. Moreover, they are more agile and adaptable to any scenario and manage themselves to fit in as required. If hard work is unique, then smart-work is an ideal piece of uniqueness.
Success and smart work
Success is often measured in financial terms and for the monetary accomplishment smart work is advisable over nose-to-the-grindstone attitude. Making money needs knowledge, planning, careful assessment of a situation or a person, analytical ability and risk taking personality. Any of these doesn’t involve long working hours or physical stress or hard work. It rather needs intelligence and smartness to deal with situations. For example, if you are going out to do diverse investment, you need to understand the market scenario or take advice from a distinguished financial advisor.
To lend money to someone needs detailed analysis of past records of the person and his/her profession and character assessment. Persuasion, negotiation and communication skills are other three critical secrets to success. Neither of them requires extended work hours or physically pushing the limits or boundary. They call for extensive, diverse experience, knowledge and lessons learnt from earlier mistakes or undertakings.
Only escape from reality
For hard workers, hard work is often the only escape from reality, bringing a sense of security and stability in life. But in reality, only hard work rarely leads to the greatest progress possible in life. You can’t only work hard, you also have to think and work smart. You can’t only be a warrior in life; you also have to grow up into a general.
Don’t only be a hard worker, be both a hard and a smart worker. The first thing you can do as a smart worker is to implement the ideas you liked the most into your everyday life immediately.
