1. Create a plan from start to finishIn order to work smart, you need to know exactly what the plan is in order to properly execute it. Creating the plan is simply understanding the steps of what’s needed in order to accomplish the goal. The plan provides a step by step guide for what needs to be done in order to reach the goal which in this case was creating and launching a podcast.
2. Think of everything
In order to work smart, you need to think of all the things that will allow you to get the max results with minimal effort. For example, I realized that I could use the podcast scripts and turn them into blog posts. Allowing me to launch both a podcast AND a blog without adding additional work to my workload. Max results, minimum effort.
3. Do proper research or outsource
Once you have your plan and you’ve thought about all the other possible things that could help your process and plan, research what you need to and outsource what you need to.
If you’re going to do it, do it right!
4. Batch Work
Batch working is literally my lifesaver. If you truly know me, you know that I hate being on social media and I hate taking pictures. I know, this doesn’t add up at all with what you see or probably assumed of me but that’s because I’ve mastered the art of batch working. I understand the importance of social media and because my businesses thrive off of it, I have to be intentional with it.
5. Automate
Automation is by far the number one time-saver! You will make your life soooo much easier once you start to automate.
You can automate everything from social media posts to emails and newsletters.
Think about all the things that you currently do or would need to do on a weekly basis and automate them so that you only have to worry about it 1x a month instead of weekly!
Or if you’re really prepared, automate 1x every 6 months like I do! It’s amazing to go on with my life and know that every week, my subscribers are getting a blog post, a podcast episode, a YouTube video, social media postings, and updates via email!
Allowing me the proper time to dedicate to bigger projects, my clients and my loved ones!
If you haven’t already listened to episodes 15, 16 and 17 which talk about the power of saying no, setting boundaries and finding balance, that would be the perfect place to start. Because in order to work smart, you have to have your priorities figured out and you have to be able to say no to things that don’t align with your goals and waste your time.
Once you have that down, you can start with step 1 of shifting your mindset in order to work SMART, not hard, create a plan, execute the plan, batch work and automate.
This won’t be easy at first but practice makes perfect. If you truly want to reach your biggest goals, follow in the footsteps of those who have reached goals of their own. Most likely your friends and family won’t be able to help you because chances are, they’ve never done it themselves. So get around people who are where you want to be or who have like minded values as you.
Listen to podcasts, just like you are now. Read books, do your research! Your goals aren’t as far away as you think they are, trust me I know!
Put in the work to prepare yourself, dedicate yourself to execute your plan and use these tips to work SMART, not hard.
I hope you enjoyed this episode and until next time, be shameless!