- What do you do with those extra moments of time? You know what I'm talking about, those little minutes here and there, perhaps where you're on the bus or you're waiting for someone to arrive. What do you do with that extra time? Here are a few options to consider to make the most of that time. Number one is perhaps the most important, do nothing. Does that sound strange? I believe that there's a lot of value in just allowing ourselves to enjoy where we are and just experience the quiet.
We do not have to constantly stimulate ourselves. In fact, sometimes that gets in the way of productivity. Number two is checking, particularly checking your email or your voicemail. Now, this is different than the full fledge processing that I describe in Time Management Fundamentals, this is simply glancing through a list of email and asking yourself one question, can this wait until my processing time? If it can, then you just leave the email in the inbox, but if it can't, then you're going to pick it up and quickly do something about it.
Number three, you can use the time for learning. For instance, you could watch a video here on The Library, or maybe you read from a book. These little moments here and there give you opportunities to create a cumulative store of knowledge. Number four is do some sort of low level relaxation. I'm talking about playing a quick game or maybe watching a funny video. They key here though is something that is not involved, something that you can quickly disengage from when it comes time to get to work.
Overall, what you're looking for is an opportunity to slow down. We don't have to constantly be moving. Productivity is more about rhythm, not perpetual motion.
Author
Updated
4/15/2019Released
4/11/2016Productivity expert Dave Crenshaw provides techniques on a wide variety of topics, designed to help people better manage their time and ultimately become more productive. Tune in to learn about everything from managing emails and calendars to setting priorities, collaborating with coworkers, reducing interruptions, crafting a "productivity mindset," and creating a more comfortable and effective work environment.
Have an idea for a future video from Dave? Submit it using our course feedback form. If you want more time management strategies now, we recommend watching Dave's Time Management Fundamentals course.
- Reducing interruptions
- Dealing with feeling overwhelmed
- Responding to quick questions
- Making the most of meetings
- Following up
- Implementing a closed door, open calendar policy
Skill Level Intermediate
Duration
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Introduction
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Welcome43s
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1. Time Management Tips
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Power tips for sending email3m 14s
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Positive procrastination3m 15s
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Remove the "busy" tag2m 58s
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Manage digital interruptions4m 19s
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Make the most of meetings2m 52s
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Follow up on delegated items2m 58s
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Become tech savvy4m 33s
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Focus on the person2m 37s
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Time management for students2m 59s
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Ending meetings with action1m 44s
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Building a not-to-do list2m 46s
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Avoiding the crowd mindset2m 58s
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Placing a value on your time3m 30s
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How to schedule a meeting3m 35s
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How to develop flexibility4m 19s
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The trouble with texting3m 48s
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Create a perhaps list4m 58s
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Reduce attention switches4m 46s
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Adapt your favorite app4m 33s
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Make time to get more time3m 49s
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Read vs. unread email3m 52s
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Make time to have fun3m 57s
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Create a morning ritual3m 23s
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When to create new homes3m 26s
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How to reduce spam3m 48s
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Why repetition saves time2m 48s
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Productive passwords2m 3s
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Productive web browser tips1m 51s
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Writing a productive email1m 55s
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Commit to your calendar1m 54s
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What to say instead of ASAP1m 46s
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Set voicemail expectations1m 43s
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Set email expectations1m 46s
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How to use an inbox1m 41s
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How to use an outbox1m 53s
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Video: Making the most of extra time