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Does Working Smarter (Rather than Harder) Really Work?
You’ve probably heard the cliche that you should work smarter, not harder. But what does that even mean — and is it sound advice?
In this article, we’ll show you how to apply this old adage to your life in a meaningful, productive way.
But, first — let’s explore the ideas and images each way of working has conjured up historically.
The Perception of Working Harder
When the phrase was coined, working harder got equated with blue-collar folks toiling away in factories or trade jobs.
It was manual labor that relied primarily on the use of the body and generally involved long hours. The work was hard because it was back-breaking and tiring.
The Perception of Working Smarter
On the other hand, working smarter was associated with white-collar professionals filling roles in offices.
The work was mostly sedentary, relied primarily on the use of the mind, and typically involved a shorter, set schedule.
The work was smart because it didn’t take the same harsh toll on the body and afforded the worker more time for leisure.
