Last Sunday, I strolled into my favorite local coffee shop, craving a breakfast sandwich and an iced coffee. While waiting for my order—a mere 6 or 7 minutes—I worked on getting rid of email I no longer needed...some in my inbox and a bunch in my email folders.
In that amount of time, I was able to bid a fond farewell to 107 email messages!
These fleeting moments of waiting hold untapped potential. Imagine
the countless tasks we could conquer during these pockets of time.
Here are 10 practical suggestions to make the most of your waiting time:
1. Clear Out Your Inbox: Take advantage of these brief interludes to tame your email inbox and/or digital folders...like I just did. Weed out all unnecessary clutter.
2. Organize Your TO DO List: Use waiting periods to refine your TO DO list. Prioritize tasks and
set and deadlines.
3. Brainstorm Ideas: Use waiting time to jot down ideas for your next project, brainstorm solutions to a problem, or begin a pro/con list for a decision you have to make.
4. Learn Something New: Harness the power of mobile technology to expand your knowledge. Read your favorite how-to ezines or listen to a podcast. Waiting time becomes an opportunity for personal growth.
5. Practice Mindfulness: Transform waiting into a moment of
tranquility. Practice mindfulness by focusing on your breath, observing your surroundings, or engaging in a brief meditation session. Center yourself amidst the chaos of daily life.
6. Update Your Calendar: Use waiting time to get organized. Update your calendar with upcoming appointments, events, and
deadlines.
7. Make a Shopping List: While waiting, take inventory of what you need. Whether it's groceries, household items, or gifts, jot down a shopping list to streamline your next trip to the store.
8. Plan Meals for the Week: Use waiting time to plan your meals for the upcoming week. Consider recipes, make a grocery list, and strategize meal prep.
9. Stretch and Move: Combat the sedentary nature of waiting by incorporating movement.
Stretch your muscles, take a short walk, or perform a few simple exercises.
10. Express Gratitude: Cultivate a sense of gratitude while waiting. Take a moment to reflect on the positive aspects of your life, whether it's relationships, accomplishments, or simple pleasures. Gratitude fosters a mindset of abundance and
contentment.
Whether you're at the coffee shop, the doctor's office, or the train station, there's always an opportunity to make waiting time more productive. The next time you find yourself waiting, seize the moment to get something done.
