6 Subtle Ways Seriously Clever People Get Away With Doing Less Than An Average Person
Mix and Match Studio / Shutterstock Work smarter, not harder, right? People who get away with doing less than the average person are actually some of the smartest people out there.
These clever people know what work actually needs to be done and what can wait. They also know how to pawn work off on other people so they can enjoy some free time while still doing enough work to avoid getting fired.
Seriously clever people often get away with doing less than an average person in these subtle ways
1. They question if a task actually has to get done
This is a technique used by many successful people. Instead of trying to complete every single task they are assigned, they only do the ones that absolutely need to be done that day.
If they have a to-do list with ten things on it, they'll focus on the three main ones. The other seven either wait to see if they have time to do it later, or they are delegated to other people.
2. They know when doing good enough is actually good enough
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As a perfectionist myself, I struggle with this one. I always try to get a task just right when, in reality, it was fine the first time I did it, and I wasted my time. People who get away with doing less probably aren’t actually doing less. They’re doing what they need to do, but they’re just not worried about getting every minute detail perfect.
If someone is folding the laundry, for example, they make sure to get it folded and put away, but they don't care as much if every crease is smoothed out.
3. Being a morning person
When I was in college, I would get up at 7 AM, get all my work done, then enjoy the rest of my day. These days, sleep has been getting the best of me, but I was definitely more productive back then.
People who get up early and send emails at the beginning of their day seem the most put together. They also are probably working before most people, so they have slightly less work to do. It creates the illusion that they’re working 24/7 when, in reality, they’re logging off earlier than the rest of us.
4. They schedule creative time off for themselves
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My sister is the master of this one. She schedules calls with her coworkers where they do nothing but gossip in order to pass the time. Her manager has no idea. When I asked her about it, she said, “I’m still getting my work done.”
People who are good at doing less will block off time in their calendars and name it something like Project XYZ just so people can’t schedule meetings with them at that time. It’s also a good way to block off time to catch up if you need to.
5. They use thoughtful pauses
I can’t lie. I had no idea about this one until I started writing this article. However, in 2025, researchers found that people who take a brief pause before speaking actually come across as more intelligent.
Also, waiting until everyone has spoken before you speak is a great way to come across as smarter. This trick is subtle, but it makes you come across as more intelligent.
6. They have people in their corner
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People who get away with doing less normally have great relationships with people that they know they can depend on. For example, older siblings are known for making their younger siblings do chores for them. Younger siblings are typically eager to do it.
This also applies in the professional world. Bosses who know they don’t have time to do clerical work will hire somebody whose entire job is to organize a filing cabinet. It’s a win-win and both parties get something out of it.
Sophie Bagheri is a writer with a bachelor’s degree in English and theatre who covers lifestyle topics.
