The phrase “work harder” is often emphasized, but why not focus on working smarter and faster? There’s a common perception that longer tasks inherently yield better results. Yet, consider the reality:

Think back to a recent hour-long meeting that could’ve been wrapped up in 30 minutes. Those extra 30 minutes filled with unnecessary conversation didn’t enhance the outcome, nor did they leave you feeling more productive. Now, multiply that wasted time by the discomfort of virtual calls, it becomes even more frustrating.

The Weight of Parkinson’s Law

Parkinson’s Law reveals an uncomfortable truth: work expands to fill the time allotted for its completion. In other words, if you’re given two weeks to complete a project, the task often stretches to consume that entire timeframe, inviting procrastination along the way.

No one wants to appear lazy, so instead of tackling the task head-on, we might fill the available time with trivial activities. Worse, even if we complete the task early, beating deadlines isn’t always appreciated or rewarded.

It’s like being quoted four hours for a car repair at $150/hour, only to discover the mechanic completed it in two but still charges for four.

A Smarter Approach

The solution lies in focusing on how long a task should take rather than how much time is available. Parkinson’s Law can be overcome by setting realistic expectations for efficiency without compromising quality.

When we approach work with intentionality, streamlining processes and eliminating filler, we can save time, reduce stress, and maximize output. After all, success isn’t measured by how long it takes; it’s determined by the value of the results.