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Work Smart vs. Working Hard

Posted on: November 6, 2011by Dr Kim Dr Hil

No Time to Work Smart

It is common to get caught in a cycle of being so busy working hard, that you don’t have time to work smart. This might look like pushing yourself harder and harder trying to increase your output without taking the time to improve the process and replenish your reserves. Work takes priority over everything else from time spent nurturing relationships, engaging in a healthy lifestyle or adequately restoring your energy. Working hard can be likened to using 80% of your effort to produce 20% of your results.

Work Smart Surplus

Most people think there is a limited amount of time and energy. They are operating under the premise that they better use it before they lose it. Do the work now while they have the time and energy because eventually it is going to run out. However, the scientific truth is there is more than enough, in fact according to quantum physics there is a surplus.

Zero Point Field - Everything Is Energy

Let’s break this down for you. According to the Zero Point Field, everything is energy. In fact the Zero Point Field demonstrates that we are comprised of 1 billion parts energy compared to 1 part physical matter. Your action is found in the 1 part physical, while your thoughts and emotions (or your mindset) are part of the 1 billion.

Mindset Leverage

Tapping into the power of your mindset gives you huge leverage. When you focus on your mindset first you are working smart. Mindset leverage allows you to use 20% of your effort to produce 80% of your results. Your thoughts and emotions are your largest energy generators according to the Zero Point Field. They are 1000’s of times more powerful than your actions.

Work Smart Practice

Align your thoughts and emotions with your actions. Identify 5 reasons why your current actions and goals are important to you. Make sure you can easily tap into your feelings about this.
Visualize so that you can materialize. Spend time imagining yourself accomplishing your goals and dreams. Be sure to engage your five senses and feelings of inspiration connected to your goal.
Take Inspired Action. After visualizing your success, clear your workspace and spend the first 90 minutes of your day engaged in your most important action.

Coaching and Counseling

Hilary Stokes Ph.D. and Kim Ward Ph.D. have been a team for 20 years, specializing in mind, body, spirit psychology. They are the authors of the bestselling books The Happy Map: Your roadmap to the habit of happiness and Manifesting Mindset: The 6-step formula for attracting your goals and dreams and founders of Authenticity Associates Coaching and Counseling. They are passionate about combining the best of holistic and traditional approaches to health and happiness. If you are interested in learning the answers to the most frequently asked questions on how to decrease stress and increase happiness sign up for their free video series.

About the Authors

Hilary Stokes Phd

HIlary Stokes, Ph.D., LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist in California with more than 25 years of clinical experience, specializing in trauma therapy, PTSD treatment, anxiety, depression, and nervous system healing. She holds Master's degrees in Clinical Social Work and Kinesiology and Sports Psychology and a Ph.D. in Transpersonal Psychology with a specialization in Tibetan Buddhist Psychology. Dr. Stokes is extensively trained and certified in brainspotting, EMDR, somatic therapy and other mind body approaches. Her integrative work bridges neuroscience, mindfulness, and holistic psychology to help clients process unresolved trauma, rewire stress patterns, and build emotional resilience.

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Dr. Stokes’ clinical approach is informed by advanced professional training and her own healing journey from complex trauma, which shaped her commitment to therapies that go beyond traditional talk therapy. She has worked in psychiatric hospitals, addiction and PTSD treatment centers, universities, integrative medical facilities, and private practice. As co-developer of the psychology and wellness programming at Sanoviv Medical Institute, she witnessed firsthand the power of integrating mind and body for lasting transformation. Today she helps individuals heal trauma, strengthen emotional regulation and reclaim purpose through brainspotting, EMDR, somatic therapy and mindfulness interventions.

Kim Ward Phd

Kim Ward, Ph.D. holds both a masters and a doctorate in Transpersonal Psychology with a specialization in Tibetan Buddhist Psychology. She brings more than 25 years of experience in trauma recovery, Brainspotting and mind-body transformation. She is extensively trained and certified in Brainspotting, somatic therapy, and trauma-informed approaches. Dr. Ward integrates neuroscience, nervous system regulation and consciousness-based psychology to help individuals process unresolved trauma, shift limiting beliefs, and access greater emotional resilience. Her work focuses on healing at the root, beyond symptom management, through brain-body therapies that create lasting change.

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As co-developer of the psychology and wellness programs at Sanoviv Medical Institute, Dr. Ward brings a uniquely holistic perspective to trauma therapy and personal growth. Her path from corporate leadership into psychology shaped her commitment to helping clients move beyond external success toward embodied fulfillment and emotional freedom. Dr. Ward's expertise combines Brainspotting, emotional intelligence, contemplative psychology and purpose-driven coaching. Drawing from both advanced academic training and lived experience navigating complex family mental health dynamics, she supports clients in transforming stress patterns, reclaiming vitality, and aligning with authentic purpose.