4 Things to do with "Wasted Time"
A key insight into time
management is to be proactive and anticipate "time wasters."
You may not always be able to avoid
cancellations, delays and other people running late, but with a bit of
preparation, you can get even more done when life doesn't go exactly as
planned.
Here are 4 easy & portable tasks you can do while waiting for meetings, flights, & other random acts of tardiness.
1. Write Cards - I keep a few cards with stamped envelopes inside my briefcase. I can write 3 cards on the plane before my flight even takes off! If you're wondering what to write, set your mind on gratitude and think of all of the people who've helped the programs you're managing.
2. Get to know your Gear. Transform your cell phone into a productivity tool that supports you instead of distracts you.
- Update your phone's contact list by going through the menu of most recent calls.
- Create speed dials for numbers you use frequently.
- Add names and numbers from loose business cards you are still carrying around.
- Learn how to set alarms & timers.
- Set unique ring tones for people who call you most often.
3. Keep Learning - Part 1: Most people believe that learning is what you do in your personal time, and reading during business hours is prohibited. To overcome this stigma, rip out magazine articles and keep a "To Read" folder with you. Keep just the pages you want to read, this cuts down on all of the paperwork you'll carry around.
4. Keep Learning - Part 2: Use your iPod to listen to university courses and business lectures. A few of my favorite podcasts are: POP!Tech, TEDTalks, Harvard's HBR Idea Cast and The Economist.
(*If you need a step by step guide to signing up for podcasts, email me directly.)
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