On Minimalism - The Best Results for Minimal Work

Chances are you’ve heard the expression “work smarter, not harder.” Chances are also good that no one has ever sat down and actually given you a proper framework to execute this. So that’s what we’re going to do today.

What Is Smarter?

In order to figure out what smarter (least amount possible) work is, you first need to identify your objective. For example, the reason I chose a power cage to represent smarter for this article.

If losing weight and/or getting strong were your objectives, the power cage would a prime example of “smarter not harder.” Using progressive overload on core barbel lifts, you would rapidly see both fat loss and strength gain.

However, if your goal was training for endurance running or swimming, the power rack would not be the path to the best results for the least work. So to begin with, identify your objective. Is it a project at work? A weight loss or strength goal? A new skill? Define a clear objective, and a clear victory condition.

What Is Harder?

Once you know your objective, take the time to research the most efficient way of reaching it. There are methods that are simply flat out better and more efficient than others. The last thing you want to do is grind away “working hard” with a method that only produces your results half as quickly.

As an extreme example, I could tell you to go outside and dig a hole using a normal sized dinner spoon. You could work very hard to do this all day, but that wouldn’t change the fact that someone else using a backhoe could have done it in a fraction of the time.

The moral of the story is: Don’t use the spoons in your life simply because they are the first solution you find, or the one that someone else recommends. Take the time to make sure your hard work is actually paying off.

What Are Your Methods?

As always, I want to hear from all of you. Tell us some of your “smarter not harder” stories. You just might give someone else the help they need to get results.