On the lookout for ways to make a 30+ minute work commute more productive or relaxing? Well, the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) members shared their go-to strategies. Here’s a breakdown:
1. **Make a Game Plan for the Day:** Jared Atchison from WPForms uses his commute to jot down a to-do list. It turns his ride into a planning session, ensuring he’s ready to hit the ground running with a clear action plan the moment he steps into the office.
2. **Catch Up with Friends Over the Phone:** Devesh Dwivedi of Higher Valuation sees commute time as the perfect opportunity to reconnect with friends. It’s a win-win; he maintains important personal connections, which can also double as a networking activity, starting his day on a positive note or unwinding after a hectic day.
3. **Embrace the Quiet Moments:** Thomas Minieri from Lemonade Maker® discovered the value of simply doing nothing during his train rides. Letting his mind rest rather than cramming it with more input turned out to be the ultimate way to keep burnout at bay.
4. **Dive into a Good Book (Audiobook, That Is):** For Josh Kohlbach of Wholesale Suite, fiction audiobooks during his commute are his escape. They serve as a transition, helping him detach from work stresses and recharge.
5. **Tackle the Mundane Tasks:** Stephanie Wells from Formidable Forms recommends using commute time for clearing out those nagging, repetitive tasks like emails and scheduling. It’s all about getting them out of the way, so she can focus on more significant projects later.
6. **Voice Apps to the Rescue:** Kalin Kassabov of ProTexting catches up on emails with the help of Google Assistant and similar apps. Listening to documents instead of reading them can be a real time-saver, especially when driving.
7. **Fuel Your Mind:** Kristin Kimberly Marquet from Marquet Media, LLC believes in using the time for personal and professional development through podcasts and audiobooks. Whether it’s gaining new insights for work or unwinding with some light-hearted content, it’s all about tuning in to what you need at that moment.
8. **Cycle Your Way to Better Days:** Travis Schreiber of Erase Technologies, LLC loves biking to work. It’s faster in big cities, it’s a great workout, and it does wonders for his mental clarity. Both energizing and calming, it’s the perfect start and end to his day.
9. **Stay Informed and Inspired:** Michelle Aran of Velvet Caviar listens to podcasts about industry trends or personal development. It transforms her commute into a mini classroom, keeping her informed, inspired, and ready to take on whatever the day throws her way.
These commute hacks cover everything from planning, connecting with friends, learning, to simply taking a moment to breathe. Whatever your commute looks like, there’s a way to make it serve your day better.
