Summary of the book 'Work Smarter Not Harder' which teaches new ways of working

This summary is for people looking for tips to improve their productivity. Being able to do a lot of work in less time is productivity, it's about how you work smart, and you don't have to work hard. If you are struggling to do everything in one day, or are wondering what to do next, this summary is for you.

Written by Timo Kiender, Work Smarter Not Harder is a book that identifies 18 different ways to improve your work day. From learning new computer skills to understanding your own working patterns and rhythms, tips can be found in it. An easy-to-read guide that helps anyone increases their productivity.

In this summary

This summary discusses in detail 18 ways to improve your workday. From distractions to sending emails and what to do on the day off, here are some tips that might work for you and be implemented.

 

Book Summary

Start the day right

To build a strong foundation on personal productivity, the following things need to be put in the right place. Proper mental condition, physical activity, adequate nutrition and adequate sleep.

Kinder's first point is to learn to get up early in the morning. It adds a few hours to your day, as well as increasing your flexibility so you can start a good and very productive day. Although this is contradictory, Kinder has an easy process to implement ideas that come up quickly. Get up early for 15 minutes daily for 3 or 4 days. Make other changes as you get used to it. One thing to make sure is that you get up on time.

Once a new routine is established, the way will be open for a new schedule. Kinder suggests that time be spent meditating, exercising, or reading.

 

Find your own way of working

No one can focus all day, so Kinder suggests trying a few different routines and methods to help you figure out which one works best.

Here are some of Kinder's top tips:

1) The Pomodoro Technique: Divide your work day into 25-minute sessions with 5 minutes of free time before each new session. After 4 sessions of 25 minutes, take a break of 15-30 minutes.

 

2) 90 minute duration: Many people believe that our body works in a 90 minute cycle. Consider a 90-minute period, and then take a 20-minute break. Repeat this cycle throughout the day.

3) 52–17: Work 52 minutes and take a 17-minute break. Repeat.

Don't get distracted

Identify three things that can distract you on your workday, communication equipment, people and internal things.

Communication tools like social networks, emails have a time and place, but when you are trying to focus on work, some rules have to be set. For example: Check emails only twice a day and don't spend more than 20 minutes at a time.

Another thing to note is that a person can be a co-worker in that office or a family at home. One of the few options may be relocation. If you are constantly disturbed at home, try going to a cafe or public work bag. If you are in the office, use mute headphones or ask not to disturb the person.

In the end, the inner thing is, sometimes it's hard to win. Crazy brains are often the result of lack of food or sleep or breaks. Get enough rest each day, eat, and take regular breaks.

About the author

Timo Kiender was not only a writer but also ran a blog called Productive SuperDad. Dedicated to people who enjoy both work and family. Not only did he write blogs and books, but Kinder spent most of his days in Finland with his wife and son as a software specialist and was interested in endurance sports such as marathons and triathlons.