Most of us can be efficient when we need to be. We can check off that agenda and say, "I put in a hard day's work." But was this the best possible use of your time?
Professional writer and blogger Ali Hale writes that, "Being efficient means processing things fast. You get through your to-do list quickly and, in any given task, you eliminate time-wasters. Being effective means choosing to do the right things. You eliminate time-wasting activities or busy work from your day."
Hale has some great tips on how to increase your effectiveness, including saying "no" more frequently (to prevent overcommitment to non-essential projects), clarifying and prioritizing your values, and figuring out shortcuts.
Being efficient is great, being effective is even better.