Lately I’ve been thinking about successful people in general. I define a successful person as a person who works hard, saves their money (or is financially savvy), and has made a contribution within their profession. Thinking in generalities, successful people come from different backgrounds and are working in various occupations, but are successful just the same. Yet they share similar qualities that have allowed them to achieve and maintain success; dedication, perseverance, and efficiency.
I think most people would agree that there are other qualities that dictate success and that no two people share identical traits or pathways of getting to that point where they feel successful and others see them as such. And though dedication and perseverance are important, being efficient is a trait that’s often overlooked.
Efficiency is defined as, “Performing or functioning in the best possible manner with the least waste of time and effort,” per Dictionary.com. Least waste of time and effort is the key here – finding a way to accomplish a task without wasting time/money and effort/money. Notice how I’m making connections between effort and time and money. The time spent on effort can be calculated based on what you earn hourly.
In almost any job situation, the person who is able to finish a task quicker and with less effort compared to their counterpart (assuming the quality of work is equivalent) may be looked on as a more efficient worker. This person might be given more responsibilities, (and probably more work- a possible downside to being efficient), than their colleague. Over time, the idea would be that the more efficient worker would be more likely to get promoted.
Efficiency can also be applied towards finances. Is it more efficient to put your money in a jar under your bed, or let it grow in mutual funds or the stock market? Having your money work for you without having to spend loads of time investigating possible returns is much more efficient than not making any ROI (or spending too many hours juggling your funds.)
Lately, I approach problems in terms of efficiency. I ask questions such as: Can I do it myself for less even once I include my time? and Is this the best use of my time or effort?
I’ve even been applying my efficiency model to transportation. If I ride my bike, is that the most efficient way to get from point A to point B? Or is driving more efficient if I’m riding with someone else?
I can’t say that I’m an efficiency expert yet, but I’m getting there.
Do you measure your performance in terms of efficiency?
5 Comments
Sometimes I rebel against being efficient all the time.
Back when I owned a car, I would sometimes drive because I could do a bunch of errands easily at one time. But biking was always more fun.
In the spring and summer, it’s far more enjoyable than driving. And even in the winter, there’s a certain satisfaction from being a “tough year around biker.”
Efficiency is a great way to make the most of things you have to do. But it’s even better if it gives you room to have more fun. 🙂
Efficiency can be tough though because employees are often punished for it. If you’re the guy that finishes the task fastest and best, then guess who they give more work to? And they rarely pay you more. The reward system ain’t there! If you’re self-employed, then it’s all good, but if you have a boss and you do super well, sometimes you get a raise, but more often than not, you just get more piles of work.
I think I am always pretty efficient. I work a=on being more effective. I try to make sure that my efforts provide the results I want out of my effort.
I strive for efficiency…. at best though I tend to get sidetracked! This is a never ending endeavor.
We all try to be efficient. Some may even go beyond that. Even if they are not appreciated, being efficient and effective can go a long long way.