"Work Smarter Not Harder"
Is the most misinterpreted axiom ever.
While this axiom is applicable and valid, I also believe that it's frequently used when people want to avoid hard work. And it may not be their fault.
The problem I have with this axiom is that it also implies that working hard is optional. And, if you are smart, you don't have to work hard. So everyone is focussing on finding smarter ways while trying to find ways not to work harder.
However, the one thing that I have realized over the years as an engineer is that there is no substitute for hard work. And what's more interesting is that the smartest people I have known are, in fact, the most hard-working people as well.
So if that's the case, then when is this axiom true?
I believe it's only accurate when the goal is to increase productivity and not escape doing the actual work.
When working harder, we should identify things that can be optimized and find a smarter way to do those. For example, if you are building a wooden box, you can work hard by building the frame first and then building the drawers or doors. This would require cutting wood, assembling frames, and then cutting more wood, assembling drawers, and then finally putting it all together. The smarter way would be to cut all woods at once and then assemble everything. The same is valid for office work too.
I think the best way to state this axiom to prevent misinterpretation is to state it as "Reduce context switching when possible because doing that makes you smarter.”
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