Is it a traffic jam alert, or is someone warning you that your in-laws are coming over for dinner?
Most of us spend a lot of time in our cars or use public transit. I started a new job last week; my commute is two to three hours a day.
I wondered about the best ways to maximize my commute time — my work commute alone consumes 20-percent of my waking hours!
Here’s what I’ve found helpful:
1. Listen to audio books and programs.
My library lets me borrow 100 items at a time! I borrowed great books on CD such as:
- Good to Great by Collins, Authentic Happiness by Seligman
- Advanced Selling by Tracy
- Freakanomics by Levitt
- The Last Lecture by Pausch.
As I speak with people, I naturally share interesting and helpful things — which I heard from the audio books — that are relevant to the conversation.
Most of us wish we had more time to read; either to improve our expertise and knowledge, or just for the sheer joy of it. I find that driving while listening to books (on CD or mp3) helps me get my weekly dose of reading.
2. Review my mission and mantra.
On my BlackBerry I have a note about my life’s mission and vision. It consists mostly of affirmations for my vision of the world — and the positive contribution that I am trying to make.
I find it powerful to read it aloud. (I discourage you from reading your phone while in busy traffic. I sometimes glance at my phone when traffic has stopped.)
3. Eat on-the-go.
In my trunk I keep a cooler that holds healthy foods in containers. I eat breakfast and other meals as I drive, so I can get on the highway earlier to get ahead of the morning-rush traffic.
4. Phone people (using a headset).
With a headset, I can talk with both hands on the wheel.
Someone told me that I shouldn’t talk while driving, even with a headset. I asked, “Do you not talk to your passengers when you drive?”
I use common sense. If I’m on my headset when on the highway, sometimes I drive behind a tractor trailer in the slow lane while I maintain a safe following distance.
My commute is time that I can do these activities without distraction. It guarantees time to get some things done. Maybe my commute is a bit of a blessing.
