Driving to work seems to get worse every year doesn’t it? Longer drive times, more slow moving drivers and more traffic backing up the lanes. The pressure and stress of just getting to work sometimes seems more stressful than work itself.
But are you taking advantage of the time you spend stuck in traffic? Think about what your average commute is day in and day out. How many thoughts go through your mind while you drive to work? (I am not talking about the pain you would like to inflict on the slow moving car ahead of you)
Here are a few ideas that may make your drive to work a little more productive.
- Keep a digital recorder in your car. This will become useful when you get those ideas “million dollar ideas” that you usually forget by the time you get to work. You never know, one of those ideas may come in extremely handy one day.
- Purchase cd’s that interest you. You have time to learn a new language (at least the basics) listen to an audiobook (catch up on some new or classic books)
- Listen to material that will make you more valuable at your job. Politics, business, current events, anything related to improving your skills is better than fighting and cursing the person that just cut you off .
Make a plan to make you driving time productive and the pain of driving to work will diminish significantly.
Best of luck
12. November 2009 at 7:44 PM
I have found that learning a new languae can be a valuble asset. It really becomes useful to be able to curse at the person that just cut you off in many different languages. In this multi-cultural city you never know what language you will need to get you point across…
[Reply]
Caraballo & Associates Reply:
November 13th, 2009 at 10:48 AM
Thanks Alex, that is actually something that I “try” and do while in my car. I am working on basic Italian. I should pop those babies back in since I have been ignoring them for a while.
Thanks for the tip!
[Reply]
4. January 2010 at 5:47 PM
Look at the time in your car as a time to learn, to grow, and renew your mind. Never underestimate the value of time in the car. People often complain they don’t have time for personal development. Well, the people I know that still have a 9-5, they spend anywhere from 30 min to 3 hours in a car everyday! That’s the time to develop yourself.
Thanks for the insight Jose…. you rock!
Debbie Turner´s last blog ..Christmas Cruise Diary With Ashley
[Reply]
Jose H. Caraballo Reply:
February 15th, 2010 at 9:03 PM
So true, I swear I have gone through 100 books just in audio form, by using this technique. I think it is one of the best things you can do while driving. At least better than plucking your nose hairs. LOL which I have seen people do.
[Reply]
16. February 2010 at 9:50 AM
Luckily I don’t spend time in my car driving to work but the time I do spend, I am listening to some type of personal development CD. I recently drove to Dallas and was able to listen to the entire “Think & Grow Rich” book on audio. The time seemed to fly by.
Thanks for your insight Jose..
Adrienne
Adrienne´s last blog ..Mother Knows Best
[Reply]
Caraballo & Associates Reply:
February 16th, 2010 at 11:14 PM
Now that is awesome. First, you don’t have a long commute (always a plus) and secondly Think and Grow rich is such a fabulous book to re-read or listen to again and again. Great choice!
[Reply]
18. March 2010 at 8:27 AM
Hey Jose: Great idea – On the road U. Feed your mind time, especially when most of us drive alone. It would be great if your class would use this time productively like you suggest. The recorder is brilliant. Have you tried a video recorder?
Aloha,
Arlan
Arlan Murata´s last blog ..Thoughts
[Reply]
Caraballo & Associates Reply:
March 18th, 2010 at 8:31 AM
I am actually getting one soon Arlan. I will let you know how it goes. (or at least you will see how it goes)
Thanks for the visit.
[Reply]