How to Get More Done in the Time You Have

Idea

We’ve all found ourselves in the situation where we’re waiting in line for coffee or waiting at the dentist’s office and not really getting anything done. We have so much to do and it can start to feel overwhelming during all of this waiting time.

I propose that this 10 minutes in line or 15 minutes in the doctor’s office can actually be productive time in your day.

The tool you need is the 15-minute list: a list of everything that you can do in 15 minutes or less.

Example

Things that go on your list are short, simple, highly actionable things that you can do in 15 minutes or less. For example:

• Call your vet
• Draft the agenda for the weekly team meeting

Action

1. Create your 15-minute list. Write down everything, personal and professional, that you need to do that can be done in 15 minutes or less.
2. Use it. The next time you’re stuck waiting, feeling frustrated, pull out your list and start taking action. You’ll convert these micro-segments of potentially wasted time into productive time.