One of the most frequent questions I’m asked is when I find the time to blog, especially from people who want to hire a blogger. As a full-time employee, the owner of several popular blogs, and a contributor to a bunch of others, I wouldn’t be mad if you jumped to the conclusion that I have no life.
Except that’s not true. At least, that’s what I tell myself. đ
As the father of a newborn, I realize more than ever how important it is to squeeze precious seconds out of every minute that I get. Here are a few places you might find me honing my blogging skills.
RED LIGHTS AND STOP SIGNS
Before you lecture me on distracted driving, read on! Every time I am idle in the car, I use the opportunity to focus on my breath, inhaling deeply and exhaling smoothly. My Zen hero Thich Nhat Hanh taught me that the best way to clear my mind, focus on the present, and relax myself to be receptive to creative ideas, is to simply breathe. A traffic stop is the perfect place to do this. In fact, some of my best blog ideas have come using this technique.
WAITING ROOMS
When you go to see a doctor or dentist, thereâs a good chance youâll be waiting. Rather than reading a three-month old sports magazine you could care less about, take out your smartphone or pad and start on your next blog post.
STANDING ON LINE
The person in front of you is pulling out their coupon pouch, so you know itâs going to be awhile! Might as well get your thumbs cracking and text message yourself a few notes for future blog entries.
HOLDING
Whether itâs your buddy picking up the other line or some hideous customer service rep subjecting you to Kenny G., itâs rare to have a phone conversation these days without getting put on hold. Use the time to pull up your latest Web stats, research SEO or unsubscribe from annoying spam. Oh, and if youâre put on hold for more than 90 seconds â hang up.
WATCHING ADS
If you are still resisting DVR and watching live TV, you are wasting your time! After you grab a snack and empty your bladder, start blogging before your show comes back. By the time you add up all of the ads, you could write a post during a 30-minute sitcom.
SLEEPING
I donât view sleep as a âtime suck,â but hitting the snooze button is! Get your butt out of bed and face the day head on!
GOSSIP
Engaging in gossip is a no-no. Not only does it waste your time, but you are aiding and abetting the spread of information that has the potential to hurt other people. Donât engage, use the time to blog instead.
So if youâre sitting there waiting for your PC to boot up, you are wasting time! Fill the gaps with blogging tasks and you will never lose another second!