Work "hard"...at making your work easy and enjoyable!
Channel: George Kao
Date: 2015-10-06

There is only 1 thing that we need to work hard at:

Designing our "hard" work to be as easy and fun as possible.

I received an email from a viewer, praising me for all the "hard work" I did in creating 100 videos.

I thought it was so ironic because I did *not* feel like I worked hard.  

It was just a 4-minute video each day, during a daily time that I would've been standing around at the park waiting for buddy the pup to finish playing.

It was a natural thing to do, pulling out my phone and recording a simple business tip, something I could easily tell my clients.

(We all have an area of expertise that we find so easy and natural to talk about!  Think about what that would be for you.)

And it was pleasant.  I'm out in the beauty of nature, enjoying time with my dog.

By simply doing a casual short video a day, day after day (taking a break every weekend), I accumulated 100 videos over time.

It seems like "hard work" only if you see it as one big chunk.

But when you divide it into a daily simple activity, one that has enjoyable parts to it, it's now "easy work."

**

Here are 3 ways to make your "hard" work more easy and fun:

1. Chunk it down.  As small as you need it to be.  

Whatever project seems intimidating, whatever looks like hard work, just divide it into as many pieces as you need to, so that each piece seems very doable.

I'm addressing those of you who are blessed to have autonomy in your work -- you're able to determine what you do -- e.g. entrepreneurs, business owners.

(Those of you who are in jobs: you might need to negotiate with your boss to chunk down your work so that it's more doable.  If boss gives you too much pressure, start looking for another job...)

2. Improve the sensory enjoyment of the task.  Sight, sound, smell, taste. 

For example, do something to make it (the tool you're working with) more colorful or beautiful.  

Or put on some non-distracting music on that you enjoy.  

Or start an aromatherapy candle.

Or drink some tea that you love, while working on the project.

If it is enjoyable for you, you'll be much more likely to keep coming back to the task.  And if you do, you're much more likely to complete it.  

If you keep doing the task, persistently, you'll get better at it, which also makes it easier going forward.

3. Do it with someone.

Recruit a friend (or several) to give you feedback on your project.

Better yet, work together.  Even if you are working on separate projects, make an agreement to spend focused work time together.  The companionship will help with focus.

I have been hosting virtual coworking sessions and they have been highly productive for us participants.  I welcome you to join us: www.j.mp/virtualcoworking -- it's free.

**

The best of these articles, delivered monthly via email:
http://georgekao.com/email

#GeorgeKaoVideo