The Hidden Equation Behind Every Hour of Your Life

We’ve all heard the phrase, "Work smarter, not harder." But what does that really mean? How can we tell whether someone is working harder or smarter than others? Is it about the time spent on an activity, the effort expended, or something else entirely?

The truth is, it’s not so easy to define. That’s why I propose a new way to think about work: Work = Output.

This is a significant change from the traditional view, where work is often measured in terms of input. Instead, I suggest focusing on the results: what you get out of your efforts. After all, that’s what truly matters.

The Equation of Work = Volume × Efficiency

Let’s start by breaking down the equation.

Volume: The "Working Hard" Component

Volume refers to the amount of time and effort you put into a task. We all have the same 24 hours in a day and 168 hours in a week. While it’s possible to increase the volume of work by dedicating more hours, there’s a natural limit to this. You can’t work 25 hours a day, and you still need time to sleep, eat, and recharge.

This is why volume alone isn’t enough to maximize output. It’s the "working hard" part of the equation, but it’s constrained by the finite nature of time.

Efficiency: The "Working Smart" Component