1. Working hard at things you’re not good at is counterproductive.

Working hard at something you don’t like and aren’t good at, makes your business drudgery. When you enjoy doing something, it’s a pleasure doing it; it hardly seems like work at all. It’s more rewarding for you and your business to do something you’re good at. Those are the things that will make your business successful.

2. Things that are hard for you will be done better by someone else.

Don’t spend hours dragging yourself through some task that will take you forever to do poorly, when someone else will do it in no time flat – and do it better! Making smart choices about how you spend your time is at the heart of effective time management.

3. With limited time and lots to do, spending your time working hard is foolish.

Spend your time doing the things you love to do, that you do well, and that contribute to your business’ success. Outsource the tasks you find burdensome to others who thrive on doing exactly those things! Encourage them to delegate the tasks they don’t want to do, to you! The small business circle-of-life depends on solopreneurs helping each other run their businesses more efficiently.

4. Doing things the hard way indicates a real lack of effort.

With all the easy-to-use techno-tools specifically designed for small businesses, you have to go out of your way to avoid discovering better and easier ways to do almost everything! Tasks that used to take serious time and brainpower can now be done in a few minutes with an app. Probably a free app! Get out there and find out what’s new. Get up to speed with the latest technology that will save you tons of time and effort.

5. Working hard is not a reflection of how important you are.

People who constantly complain about how hard they work or how busy they are, often don’t get the sympathy or admiration they’re looking for. The truth is, everyone has the same 24 hours to squeeze their lives into. The smart ones find ways to get things done and have a little time left over to enjoy themselves. If you don’t want to work so hard, you need to be selective about goals and priorities. You need to avoid procrastination and wasting time. If you’re working harder than everyone else, consider getting help with time management from a small business coach or consultant. Better time management can change your life!

6. Working hard will drain your energy and take the fun out of your business.

Starting your own small business requires an optimistic outlook and plenty of stamina. If you don’t enjoy learning how to improve time management and work more efficiently, your business will become a chore. Don’t let hard work suck the life and joy out of the business you loved. Work smart, not hard!