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Working Hard, Hardly Working

Working Hard, Hardly Working

How to achieve more, stress less and feel fulfilled
by Grace Beverley 2021 217 pages
3.51
3k+ ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. Redefine success and purpose for personal fulfillment

Self-actualising doesn't suddenly mean that we walk around with a halo-like aura, skin like a baby's bottom, cheeks glowing from constant fulfilment.

Purpose is not static. Rather than chasing a singular, ultimate purpose, focus on accumulating various passions throughout your life. This approach allows for greater flexibility and fulfillment as you grow and change. Recognize that purpose can be found in both macro-passions (larger career goals) and micro-passions (daily activities that bring joy and satisfaction).

Success is subjective. Define success on your own terms, rather than adhering to societal expectations or comparing yourself to others. This may include:

  • Professional achievements
  • Personal growth
  • Relationships
  • Work-life balance
  • Contributing to your community

Remember that success is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the process of self-discovery and allow your definition of success to evolve over time.

2. Implement effective productivity methods and time management

Doing things quickly simply to get as much done as physically possible and to feel like we're progressing.

Prioritize tasks effectively. Use the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks based on urgency and importance:

  • Urgent and important: Do immediately
  • Important but not urgent: Schedule for later
  • Urgent but not important: Delegate if possible
  • Neither urgent nor important: Eliminate

Optimize your workflow. Implement productivity techniques such as:

  • Time-blocking: Allocate specific time slots for different tasks
  • Pomodoro Technique: Work in focused 25-minute intervals with short breaks
  • Deep work: Set aside uninterrupted time for concentrated effort on challenging tasks

Create a personalized productivity system that works for you, combining elements from various methods. Regularly evaluate and adjust your approach to ensure it remains effective as your workload and responsibilities change.

3. Harness the power of flow states for optimal performance

A state in which people are so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter; the experience is so enjoyable that people will continue to do it even at great cost, for the sheer sake of doing it.

Identify flow triggers. Recognize the conditions that help you enter a flow state:

  • Clear goals and immediate feedback
  • A balance between challenge and skill level
  • Minimal distractions
  • A sense of control and autonomy

Cultivate flow-conducive environments. Create an atmosphere that supports deep concentration and engagement:

  • Eliminate notifications and potential interruptions
  • Customize your workspace for comfort and focus
  • Use music or white noise to enhance concentration, if helpful

Regularly engage in activities that induce flow to improve overall well-being and productivity. Incorporate both work-related and personal flow activities into your routine to maintain a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

4. Balance work and life through self-actualizing activities

Having it all doesn't mean doing it all, and while we'll discuss this thoroughly in the next chapter, it's important that you bear it in mind before self-care becomes yet another part of the more more more mentality.

Identify your "all". Define what a balanced life means to you, considering various aspects such as:

  • Career goals
  • Personal relationships
  • Health and fitness
  • Hobbies and interests
  • Personal growth and learning

Create a flexible pie chart. Visualize your life as an adjustable pie chart, with slices representing different areas of focus. Allow these slices to expand or contract based on your current priorities and life stage.

Implement self-actualizing activities that contribute to multiple areas of your life. For example, joining a professional networking group can simultaneously advance your career and expand your social circle. Regularly reassess and adjust your balance to ensure you're allocating time and energy in alignment with your evolving goals and values.

5. Embrace the art of doing nothing as essential self-care

Effective self-care is about knowing and responding to your boundaries, and being aware of how you feel when you reset by doing one thing vs another.

Reframe "doing nothing". Understand that intentional rest and downtime are crucial for productivity and well-being. Recognize that "doing nothing" is actually an active process of recharging and rejuvenation.

Implement planned and spontaneous rest. Incorporate two types of downtime into your routine:

  1. Planned nothing: Schedule regular periods for rest and relaxation
  2. Fuck-it nothing: Allow yourself spontaneous breaks when needed

Experiment with various forms of rest to find what works best for you:

  • Nature walks
  • Meditation or mindfulness practices
  • Reading for pleasure
  • Engaging in creative hobbies
  • Quality time with loved ones

Remember that effective self-care is a skill that requires practice and self-awareness. Be patient with yourself as you learn to identify and respond to your needs for rest and rejuvenation.

6. Set realistic goals and celebrate incremental achievements

Success is not all or nothing. You have a choice to make success applicable to you, by defining your own success and letting yourself reach it.

Implement SMART goal-setting. Create objectives that are:

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Achievable
  • Relevant
  • Time-bound

Break down larger goals. Divide ambitious objectives into smaller, manageable milestones. This approach allows for:

  • Regular progress tracking
  • Increased motivation through frequent "wins"
  • Easier adjustment of strategies when needed

Celebrate both small and large achievements to maintain motivation and momentum. Recognize that setbacks and failures are part of the journey, and use them as learning opportunities to refine your approach. Regularly review and adjust your goals to ensure they remain aligned with your evolving definition of success and personal growth.

7. Navigate the attention economy and social media mindfully

Don't let trying to control your outward narrative control you.

Assess your social media habits. Reflect on how social media impacts your emotions, productivity, and overall well-being. Consider:

  • Time spent on various platforms
  • Emotional responses to content
  • Comparison tendencies
  • Impact on focus and concentration

Implement boundaries. Establish healthy limits for social media use:

  • Set specific times for checking and engaging with platforms
  • Use app blockers or time-tracking tools
  • Create phone-free zones or periods in your day
  • Curate your feed to prioritize positive and enriching content

Develop a mindful approach to social media consumption and sharing. Focus on authentic connections and purposeful engagement rather than seeking validation through likes and follows. Regularly reassess your relationship with social media and make adjustments as needed to maintain a healthy balance.

8. Cultivate self-awareness and adaptability in your career journey

We're better off learning as much as we can and going from there, and adapting when that falls short or doesn't work in the way we thought it would.

Embrace continuous learning. Adopt a growth mindset and view challenges as opportunities for development. Regularly seek out new skills and knowledge relevant to your field and personal interests.

Practice self-reflection. Incorporate regular self-assessment into your routine:

  • Journal about your experiences and emotions
  • Seek feedback from colleagues and mentors
  • Analyze your successes and setbacks
  • Identify patterns in your behavior and decision-making

Develop adaptability by:

  • Staying informed about industry trends and changes
  • Cultivating a diverse skill set
  • Building a strong professional network
  • Remaining open to new opportunities and perspectives

Remember that your career journey is unique and evolving. Be patient with yourself as you navigate changes and challenges, and remain open to pivoting your path as you gain new insights and experiences.

Last updated:

FAQ

What's "Working Hard, Hardly Working" about?

  • Redefining Productivity: The book explores how to achieve more while stressing less, focusing on redefining productivity in the modern world.
  • Balancing Work and Life: It emphasizes the importance of balancing work fulfillment with self-care and personal fulfillment.
  • Personal Journey: Grace Beverley shares her personal experiences and insights as a young entrepreneur navigating the challenges of modern work culture.
  • Practical Advice: The book provides practical tips and methods for managing time, setting goals, and finding purpose in both work and life.

Why should I read "Working Hard, Hardly Working"?

  • Modern Work Insights: It offers a fresh perspective on productivity and work-life balance, relevant to today's fast-paced world.
  • Personal Development: The book provides actionable advice for personal growth and achieving a fulfilling life.
  • Relatable Experiences: Grace Beverley's anecdotes and experiences make the content relatable and engaging.
  • Empowerment: It encourages readers to redefine success on their own terms and embrace their unique paths.

What are the key takeaways of "Working Hard, Hardly Working"?

  • Purpose and Passion: Finding purpose in work and life is crucial for fulfillment, but it should be flexible and evolve over time.
  • Productivity Methods: Effective time management and goal-setting are essential for achieving success without burnout.
  • Self-Care as Productivity: Self-care is not just about relaxation; it's a vital part of being productive and maintaining mental health.
  • Redefining Success: Success should be defined personally, not by societal standards or external validation.

How does Grace Beverley define productivity in "Working Hard, Hardly Working"?

  • Beyond Output: Productivity is not just about working long hours; it's about working smart and efficiently.
  • Balance with Self-Care: True productivity includes taking time for self-care and rest to avoid burnout.
  • Deep Work and Flow: Engaging in deep work and finding flow in tasks can enhance productivity and satisfaction.
  • Personalized Approach: Productivity should be tailored to individual strengths, preferences, and goals.

What is the "Productivity Method" in "Working Hard, Hardly Working"?

  • Time Management: Prioritize tasks using methods like the Eisenhower Matrix to focus on what's important and urgent.
  • Task Batching: Group similar tasks together to maximize efficiency and minimize distractions.
  • Time-Blocking: Allocate specific time slots for different tasks to ensure focused and uninterrupted work.
  • Self-Reflection: Regularly assess and adjust your productivity strategies to align with personal goals and well-being.

How does Grace Beverley suggest finding purpose in work and life?

  • Self-Actualization: Focus on self-actualizing by pursuing passions and interests that evolve over time.
  • Multiple Passions: Embrace a variety of passions rather than seeking a single life purpose.
  • Goal-Oriented Approach: Set both short-term and long-term goals to guide your journey and measure success.
  • Flexibility: Allow your purpose to change as you grow and experience new things.

What role does self-care play in "Working Hard, Hardly Working"?

  • Integral to Productivity: Self-care is essential for maintaining productivity and preventing burnout.
  • Planned and Spontaneous: Incorporate both planned self-care activities and spontaneous moments of rest.
  • Understanding Needs: Learn to recognize when you need to step back and recharge, and act accordingly.
  • Balance with Work: Self-care should be integrated into your routine, not seen as separate from work.

How does "Working Hard, Hardly Working" address the concept of success?

  • Personal Definition: Success should be defined by personal values and goals, not societal expectations.
  • Continuous Journey: View success as an ongoing journey rather than a final destination.
  • Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate small achievements along the way to maintain motivation.
  • Avoid Comparison: Focus on your own path and avoid comparing yourself to others' highlight reels.

What are some practical tips from "Working Hard, Hardly Working" for managing time effectively?

  • Use a Calendar: Keep both electronic and paper calendars to organize and visualize your schedule.
  • Create a To-Do Table: Categorize tasks into quick ticks, tasks, and projects for better prioritization.
  • Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal time to maintain balance.
  • Review and Adjust: Regularly review your time management strategies and make adjustments as needed.

How does Grace Beverley suggest dealing with impostor syndrome in "Working Hard, Hardly Working"?

  • Acknowledge Success: Recognize and celebrate your achievements, even if they feel small.
  • Accept Luck and Effort: Understand that success often involves a combination of hard work and fortunate circumstances.
  • Seek Support: Surround yourself with supportive people who can remind you of your worth and accomplishments.
  • Challenge Negative Thoughts: Actively challenge and reframe negative thoughts about your abilities and achievements.

What are the best quotes from "Working Hard, Hardly Working" and what do they mean?

  • "Productivity and self-care are two sides of the same coin." This highlights the importance of integrating self-care into productivity to achieve sustainable success.
  • "Success is not all or nothing." It emphasizes the idea that success is a continuous journey with multiple milestones, not a single end goal.
  • "We need to redefine what purpose and productivity mean to us." This encourages readers to personalize their definitions of purpose and productivity based on their unique values and goals.
  • "You deserve to have success in your life, despite the fact that there’s always going to be someone out there who’s more ‘successful’ than you." This quote reminds readers to focus on their own achievements and not compare themselves to others.

How does "Working Hard, Hardly Working" address the impact of social media on productivity and self-worth?

  • Comparison Trap: Social media can distort perceptions of success and productivity by showcasing others' highlight reels.
  • Attention Economy: The book discusses how social media companies compete for our attention, impacting focus and mental health.
  • Set Boundaries: Grace Beverley advises setting boundaries with social media use to protect self-worth and productivity.
  • Mindful Consumption: Encourage mindful consumption of social media content, focusing on what adds value to your life.

Review Summary

3.51 out of 5
Average of 3k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Working Hard, Hardly Working receives mixed reviews, with an average rating of 3.52/5. Some readers find it insightful and motivating, praising Grace's perspective on productivity and work-life balance for Gen Z. Others criticize it as repetitive, privileged, and lacking substance. Many feel the book could have been condensed. Positive reviewers appreciate Grace's humor and relatable tone, while critics argue the advice is basic and not applicable to all work situations. The book's structure and writing style are also points of contention, with some finding it engaging and others struggling to follow the author's points.

Your rating:

About the Author

Grace Beverley is a young entrepreneur and social media influencer who has built two successful companies by her early twenties. She graduated from Oxford University and has gained a significant following online, particularly among millennials and Gen Z. Beverley is known for her forward-thinking approach to business and her understanding of contemporary work culture issues. Her book reflects her experiences as a CEO and her insights into productivity, work-life balance, and redefining success for younger generations. Despite her young age, Beverley has established herself as a voice in discussions about modern work practices and entrepreneurship.

Other books by Grace Beverley

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