Let’s be honest, juggling it all can feel like an Olympic sport. Between thriving in your career, being there for family, staying fit, and carving out time for yourself, life as an ambitious woman can be overwhelming. We wear so many hats that sometimes it feels like we’re just running from one fire to the next. Sound familiar?
The good news is, it doesn’t have to be this way. Working smarter, not harder, starts with one crucial step: defining your roles in life and setting a clear vision for each one. Once you know what you’re striving for, you can focus your energy, and stop spinning your wheels.
Here are my seven tried-and-tested tips for working smarter while keeping your sanity intact.
1. Define your roles and ambition
Before diving into “how,” take a moment to figure out your “what” and “why.” What roles do you play in your life? Are you a leader, a parent, a partner, a friend, or all of the above? For each role, define what success looks like to you.
For example, as a leader, your ambition might be to build a high-performing team. As a parent, it could be to create lasting memories with your kids. Clarity is key—it gives you permission to say “yes” to what matters and “no” to distractions.
2. Stop multitasking
Let me say it louder for the people in the back: Multitasking is not your friend. Science shows that our brains aren’t wired to focus on multiple tasks at once. Instead, it leads to mistakes, stress, and unfinished to-do lists.
The smarter alternative? Batch similar tasks together. Schedule focused blocks of time for deep work, meetings, and personal commitments. When you’re present in one task at a time, you’ll get more done in less time.
3. Master the art of delegation
This one was hard for me to embrace at first. Like many women, I used to feel like I had to do everything myself to prove I could handle it all. Spoiler alert: that’s a fast track to burnout.
Working smarter means understanding your limits and trusting others to take some of the load. Whether it’s delegating tasks at work, outsourcing household chores, or simply asking for help, remind yourself that delegation isn’t weakness—it’s strategy.
4. Focus on high-impact activities
You can’t do everything, so focus on doing the right things. Ask yourself: What activities drive the biggest results in your personal and professional life?
For example, if your role involves sales, high-impact activities might include building strong client relationships and refining your pitch—while administrative tasks can be automated or delegated. When you channel your energy into what matters most, the needle moves faster.
5. Set boundaries and stick to them
Let’s talk about boundaries. As ambitious women, we often struggle with saying “no,” fearing we’ll disappoint others or miss opportunities. But here’s the thing: every “yes” is a “no” to something else—often your own well-being.
Protect your time and energy by setting non-negotiable boundaries. Whether it’s logging off at a certain time, blocking out “me time” on your calendar, or skipping unnecessary meetings, boundaries give you the freedom to thrive without sacrificing yourself.
6. Use technology to your advantage
In today’s world, there’s an app or tool for almost everything. From automating repetitive tasks to managing your schedule more efficiently, technology is your ally.
Some of my personal favorites include:
- Calendar tools for time blocking
- Task management apps like Trello to organize priorities and to dump my ideas
- Productivity hacks to declutter your inbox
- AI (your new best friend)
Find what works for you and let technology simplify your life.
7. Prioritize Your well-being
Finally, the smartest thing you can do is take care of yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and ignoring your mental and physical health will catch up with you eventually.
Make well-being a priority, not an afterthought. This could mean getting enough sleep, staying active, eating nourishing food, or even carving out quiet time to recharge. Remember, high performance starts with a healthy foundation.
Working smarter isn’t about cramming more into your day. It’s about aligning your actions with your vision, protecting your energy, and giving yourself grace. As someone who’s navigated the challenges of ambition and balance, I can promise you this: the payoff is worth it.
So, what’s one step you’ll take today to work smarter?
Follow me on LinkedIn for more career tips https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendrikavreugdenhil/
