Many entrepreneurs feel that a testament to how serious they are about their business is gauged by how many hours they put in.
This is a major misconception. The key to success is working smart, not hard.
Take a step away
Though there are often crunch times that require putting in long hours, doing so on a day-to-day basis is not sustainable. The mind, just like the body, needs rest to rejuvenate.
To put this into perspective, take a moment to think about your greatest business ideas… When did they come to you? Chances are, it wasn’t after a 12-hour day at the computer. More likely it was during a break, where you weren’t officially working – on a walk or in the shower.
Less is often more when it comes to creating brilliant strategies and ideas.
To feel that long hours justify great work is a natural human tendency. We want to do our best and feel time is relative to performance.
Those random strikes of insight that tend to hit when taking a step away, are often the million dollar ideas.
Have a healthy work / life balance
Having a healthy work / life balance will also help to keep you energized and inspired.
Putting in too many work hours can have a very negative effect on quality of life.
Eating ‘fast food’ instead of nutritious meals do nothing for brainpower or energy levels. Here are 5 tips to be a healthy entrepreneur.
Family and friends are often put on the backburner, though the to do list doesn’t have feelings and will still be there tomorrow.
Delegate, delegate, delegate
Let’s face it… We’re willing to put in long hours because we love what we do. It’s easy to get lost in our work.
But surely you don’t love every aspect of your business… There are certain genius abilities and special talents that you’ve always had that led you to do what you do – those should be your primary focus.
There are people in the world that specialize in any task imaginable. If you don’t like doing something, don’t do it – delegate it.
DemGen was created based on the principle that there’s a specialist for every role that loves to complete the tasks you may not be interested in or all that accomplished at.
Give yourself a break
As entrepreneurs, we’re always working in spirit; so don’t be hard on yourself for taking a step away from the office.
These days technology lets you remain connected at almost all times, if you so choose. If there’s an emergency that requires immediate attention, you’ll surely be the first to know.
Make an effort to work smart instead of hard and you’re sure to see great results!
© Tamara Smith, DemGen Inc 2013
