I love a strong work ethic. In fact, I hope that I can raise my son with the same ethic that my dad raised me with when it comes to work.

However, I believe there is a big difference between working smart and working hard. One can work hard and never accomplish their goals while another can work smart or efficiently and accomplish the same goals in a manner that is less burdensome.

Here are two brief examples of the result of working hard with an encouragement to work smart.

Frustration

It is inevitable to see athletes come to a place of fatigue during a workout where their form becomes compromised. The start of their workout has passion and determination, but after a few minutes their form and technique suffers.

Instead of taking a break during the workout, athletes decide to fight through despite fatigue and choose to compensate work efficiency for a quick finish out of frustration.

Brute Strength

In Ecclesiastes 10:10 King Solomon writes, "If the ax is dull, and one does not sharpen its edge, then one must exert more strength..."

Have you ever chopped wood with an ax? If the ax is sharpened it will slice through the wood quickly and require less effort on the worker.

However, if the ax is dull, chopping wood becomes a difficult task where more strength is required leaving the worker in a position of exhaustion due to the added work capacity.

The Finish

Develop a strong work ethic in order to finish the jobs well not fast. Efficiency is a different ball game and keeps you on your toes because you'll notice how quickly you were un-prepared for the job.

Take a breather during heavy work-loads and remember to rest in order to sharpen your weapon or skill.

If you can't evaluate the efficiency of your work, then you're working too hard.