In the last blog, we started talking about the old saying, ‘Work smarter, not harder.” Everyone today is trying to get an edge—do more in less time. Unfortunately, some of the advice we’re getting from the ‘seminar gurus’ just isn’t proven in reality. Latest statistics and studies show exactly what we’re doing that’s hindering our productivity. Here is the second in three surprising areas to look at in your own life that will get you better results—and a better life.
2. Outwork ‘Em, Don’t Just Try to Out Smart ‘Em
So, you think that working smarter is better than working harder? Well, it’s certainly important to prioritize what you do. And, this month, I’m providing you an analysis tool so you can see how you spend your time. (See free giveaways in the September newsletter, or click here). But, how about those seminar gurus who tell you to just work 20 hours a week to attain your goals? Or, hire all those buyers’ agents so you don’t have to work? Personally, I’ve never found that avoiding work got you to achievement. I know that, of course, as a musician. If you don’t practice, you can’t play!
Scientific Studies Prove Outworking Works Better than Out-Smarting
Have you read the great book by Malcolm Gladwell, the Outliers? If you haven’t, get it today. In an earlier newsletter, I wrote how Gladwell used studies of famous people to prove that practicing 10,000 hours was the magic number to master just about anything. (Read the Beatles’ story. It’s great). In addition, Gladwell provides stories and studies to show that hard work gets you to achievement. He provides the contrast of Chinese farmers with Russian peasants. The Chinese farmers believed in many proverbs, all of which have the theme of ‘hard work makes you rich’. Here’s one:
Don’t depend on heaven for food, but on your own two hands carrying the load.
In contrast, Russian peasants ‘ proverbs sounded like this:
If God does not bring it, the earth will not give it.
In other words, one set of proverbs put destiny in the person’s hands. The other, put destiny in someone else’s.
Which set of proverbs do you live by? Do you believe your own achievement is up to you? Or, is it up to the company? Your manager? The market?
Realtor Surveys Shows Higher Producers Work Longer Hours
The last National Realtor Association survey shows that Realtors who work 30 hours a week do four transactions, on average. Realtors who work 50 hours a week do 24 transactions, on average. In other words, if you want to achieve, work those hours!
Does it make any sense at all that working 20-30 hours a week can provide a successful career–when those who are actually making the money you want to make are working 50 hours a week? Step up to the line and put those hours in, and you’ll achieve past your dreams!
