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How To Work Smarter, Not Harder For a 4-Hour Workday

Sophie BIGGERSTAFF writing
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Is Working Smarter, Not Harder The Secret to Building a Successful Business Without Burning Out?

Imagine running a multi-seven-figure business while working just a few hours each day. Sounds impossible, right? But let me assure you, it’s not. It’s called Work Smarter, Not Harder!

Most entrepreneurs (especially in their early days) believe success requires endless hours of grinding and constant hustle. But what if I told you that the key to business growth is actually simplification, focus, and strategic thinking? 

A great example of this is Anne Ryan who scaled multiple businesses by adopting this approach. I interview her for my podcast The Remote CEO Life and she shares her secrets here!

Hustle Culture Is a Myth! Working Hard Doesn't Mean More Success…

Traditional business wisdom tells us that success comes from working long hours and constantly chasing new opportunities, but this can lead to burnout, stress, and overwhelm – none of which are healthy for running a long-lasting, sustainable business.

So, what if we took a completely different approach and started to work smarter, not harder?

The most successful entrepreneurs aren’t those who work the most – they’re those who work the most strategically and SIMPLIFY what they do.

In corporate environments, we often fill our days with unnecessary tasks. Think about it – how many hours did you actually spend being productive when working eight-hour days? Scrolling social media, chatting by the water cooler, or getting distracted by non-essential activities were likely consuming most of your time.

When you’re running your own business, every minute counts. Why waste your time working an 8-hour day where you spend 2 of those hours procrastinating or distracting yourself or working on tasks that won’t bring revenue, when you would be working 4-6 highly focused hours on tasks that are going to move the needle for your business?

Hustle culture encourages us to fill our time being busy, but is being busy the best way to achieve business success? I personally beg to differ!

Can You Simplify to Work Smarter, Not Harder?

One of the most underrated things in business is the power of simplicity, especially when it comes to working smarter, not harder!

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need multiple offers/products or a massive audience to build a successful business. Sometimes this approach can do more harm to your business, than good!

As entrepreneurs with so many ideas, it’s easy to get lost in the noise, move on to the next thing to sell, or keep adding projects to our to-do list. This is great for the stimulation of the brain for those who love to keep themselves busy, but when you spread your attention so thin – do you actually end up getting the best possible results for each thing you are working on?

Arguably, the most successful business owners are those who focus on ONE thing, and do that thing REALLY well, before they even consider moving on to starting something else.

What if you spent more time focused on:

  • Offering one high-value/impact product or offer
  • Becoming an expert in your specific niche
  • Marketing consistently the same message on repeat to a targeted audience
  • Delivering exceptional value

By concentrating on a single, well-refined offer, you can:

  • Establish yourself as an industry leader
  • Reduce complexity in your business model
  • Create more meaningful connections with customers
  • Increase your pricing and perceived value

Personally I have adopted many of these in to my business and honed in on working smarter, not harder and this has allowed me to create a business that works for my life, not one I work for! I now teach the exact method I used for FREE in my masterclass Find Your Freedom Model – you can watch it now here!

Could You Operate On A Four-Hour Work Day If You Work Smarter, Not Harder?

Most entrepreneurs at some point or another have probably read the book “The 4 Hour Work Week” by – Tim Ferriss, which is most likely a dream of many business owners to achieve, but it is possible if you choose to work smarter, not harder!

Creating a 4 Hour Work Week might be the dream, but for many wouldn’t be realistic but a 4 Hour Work Day could be a good place to start?

Example: What if you ONLY had 4 hours a day to complete work, because maybe you are a working mum and need to be extremely efficient with your time so you can do the school run, make dinners, do the laundry, pack the lunches, show up for after school activities and spend time for yourself.

What would you focus on in those 4 hours to make sure you made the most efficient use of that time?

  • Identifying and eliminating non-essential tasks
  • Focusing on high-impact or revenue-driving activities
  • Developing mastery in your core offering
  • Leveraging systems and support to maximize output

Many entrepreneurs struggle with the concept of doing less. We’re conditioned to believe that more effort equals more success. Which sometimes can come from a psychological barrier of feeling like we’re not “enough” unless we’re constantly doing more.

Something to recognize is that a four-hour workday doesn’t mean you’re not committed. It means you’re so skilled and strategic that you can achieve more in four hours than most do in a full workday.

Building a Business That Fits Your Life, Not the Other Way Around

Wouldn’t you like to work smarter, not harder, if it meant you got some time back in your day to do the things you love?

What if you had an extra 4 hours to take your kids to the playground after school?

What if you had an extra 4 hours to do your weekly chores so you could have your full weekend free?

What if you had an extra 4 hours to hop on a flight and land in a new country?

The ultimate goal of your business doesn’t always have to revolve around money – what’s the point in making loads of money if you can’t enjoy it?

If you want to create a business that supports your desired lifestyle. This likely means working smarter and not harder and taking your business in a direction that works for the lifestyle you want to achieve.

I’ve got a FREE Masterclass “Find Your Freedom Model” that teaches you how to identify what business you should be running based on the lifestyle goals you have for yourself. If you don’t know where to start with creating a business that works better for you – go check it out here!

If you’re ready to break free from hustle culture and create a business that gives you freedom, flexibility, and financial success, it’s time to work smarter, not harder.

Sophie Biggerstaff Online Business Mentoring for Entrepreneurs
meet the writer

I'm Sophie

Online business coach, podcast host, mental health advocate, speaker, founder of TINAH, community builder, full-time digital nomad, and general trailblazing, rule breaker…

I tried to live a “normal” life: I spent 11+ years working my way up in the fashion industry, working for brands like Ralph Lauren and Burberry. I had the apartment in the city, I lived for going out at the weekends, spent money on designer bags and holidays – until I realized this lifestyle DID NOT FULFIL ME – I was waking up with anxiety every day – surviving, but definitely not thriving.

So I quit. I left my 9-to-5 behind to start an online business that supported the lifestyle I actually wanted. Now that looks like slow mornings, daily beach walks, co-working with like-minded entrepreneurs, yoga, meditation, and lots of social connections.

Since 2020, I’ve built multiple online business offers – from online business coaching and consulting to online courses, digital products, and a mental health marketplace – all while travelling the world and living life, and earning money on my own terms.

Now… I’m on a mission to help more people break free from lives that don’t feel good for them and create more freedom through starting and growing an online business.

GET TO KNOW ME BETTER

free stuff you might like:

Weekly episodes of the remote ceo life podcast by sophie biggerstaff
free masterclass fine your freedom model sophie biggerstaff

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