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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Work Smarter, Not Harder summary
The Blinkist Team
Find more productivity by doing fewer things.
14 mins
Table of Contents
Work Smarter, Not Harder
Summary of 6 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 6
Problem and Promise
It’s easy to make the calculation that if you want more from your work, you should work more.
But, while this simple equation certainly works early on, there comes a point of diminishing returns. In this Blinkist Article we’re going to explore a few ideas for how to change that equation and help you work smarter, not harder.
Before we dive in, let me clarify what we’re doing here. We've pulled the choice bits from 5 of our top sources to highlight some evergreen truths, and bust a couple of myths around the topic of productivity. Our goal? To quickly get you the key ideas to help you get on the path to working smarter. Each brings a different perspective, which we’ve grouped into three focus areas: prioritization, nurturing productivity, and environment.
TL;DR
Here’s the Article in a nutshell
Productivity is not on a 1-to-1 input/ output scale with work. It’s the fruit of a lot of different inputs that have to be nurtured in order to reap the benefits. Of course, you can squeeze some extra productivity out by working longer hours. But, eventually, your ability to be productive will be diminished.
So, the bottom line: First – we are not machines, we are organisms. This means we don’t increase productivity simply by working longer. Rather, we do so by nurturing the right inputs in a conducive environment.
Second – focus. Trying to do everything is a sure fire way to actually do nothing. So do less and do it well.
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What is Work Smarter, Not Harder about?
Working more doesn't always equate to increased productivity; instead, nurturing the right inputs in a conducive environment, and focusing on doing fewer things excellently, yields better results. This article uncovers the key strategies and insights for achieving smarter, not harder, work habits.
Who should read Work Smarter, Not Harder ?
- Anyone who want to work more effectively
- People who feel busy but not productive
- Anyone who wants to know how to harness the power of their environment
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