Let’s say you work 240 days in a year.
What if I told you that I was going to add 10 days to 2009. And you had an allowance on those days. You only get 1 hour a day, every day you work.
What would you do with it? Would you work more? Would you do some awesome project that you always think about? Would you start something for yourself? Would you learn a new hobby? A computer program? Would you simply use it to catch up with old friends and family on the phone?
Well, Christmas is early this year. Here’s your gift.
Lunch time. 1 hour a day, 240 days. 10 days a year.
How do you utilize that time? How could you utilize it differently? To make a difference? To be a better person? To be more successful?
Or…. will you waste it? And piddle around for an hour… do nothing, make nothing, become nothing.
It’s waiting for you. And it’s free. Bag a lunch and make the most of it.
15 Responses to “Extra Time”
Interesting point that you make!
Here’s my situation:
I work about 1 mile from my house. Hope offers me an extra half hour at lunch if I commit to working out/wellness during that time. So I go home for lunch almost every day. Pretty tough incentive to pass on!
Do you ever get tired? or just want out of your office for awhile?
Now, I’m in Andrew’s situation and it’s really nice. I’ve done more dishes than workouts so far though.
I’m a leftover lunch kind of guy… takes me about 5 minutes to eat.
Once or twice a month I will step out and eat. But with conferences, etc… I usually have enough time out of the office.
People need to take personal time - you best be careful or you’re going to find yourself burnt out a few years from now.
Everyone is wired differently.
It’s just a shame to see people who have goals in life sit around and play video games every day. What’s the point in looking back one day and wondering, “what if?”
Brad, you know how I say that you remind me of me from a few years ago? Really, the resemblance is stronger than you understand. You’re still young…and you’re excited…and that’s great. But in a few years, I think you’ll see it differently.
I hope I can still hang with the youngins’ in a few years. That PR class I talked to…. eyes on fire for this stuff.
Put this on your calendar and remind yourself to email me a link to this page in a few years so you can say “I told you so” and I can say “Yep, you definitely told me so.”
It’s not so much working working working. Most days, I kick my feet up and read a book. But it all applies to making yourself better and smarter.
Well I can tell you one thing, I just came in from playing hoop in the driveway with my son for 15 minutes. I might not be smarter, but I feel like a better person..
Definitely smart. I am by no means a ‘work 14 hours a day’ kind of guy. It’s nice to get stuff done over lunch so I have free time at night to unplug. Make the most of the time you have. Family first, definitely.
PS - he schooled you, didn’t he?
Ha, schooled me is right, I was about 2 for 30.. Got no legs on my jumper.
Great post Brad. I hate to waste any time too. Usually on lunch, I’m editing pictures, working on freelance articles or reading - mostly the first two though. I agree that it’s nice to get stuff done over lunch so I can have more free time at night!
Perfect example, Courtney! Utilizing time to do something you love that has potential long term revenue perks. And you enjoy it, so it doesn’t feel laborious and gets your mind off the work on the desk. Thanks for sharing!
I bet it’s an average 2 days a week that the boss buys us lunch - and we work right through. The other three days we work through it anyway! LOL. But I gotta get out of my chair!!! A 20 minute walk through the ‘heritage’ neighborhood we’re located in is just the ticket. Even in this cold weather. Thanks for something to think about, Brad
I currently use the lunch hour to get in touch with my staff. It helps me feel connected and casual. But I do sometimes just want to talk about work and then it is not as healthy. I like your idea - maybe I split it up a little bit more because I am getting lost in the work load lately. Thanks for the advice
For those who don’t know Brad, I really respect him because he makes his minutes count. He follows the Greek saying Age Quod Agis (do well in whatever you do) very well. From what I’ve seen he’s just excellent at time management and walking instead of talking. He’s a great husband, a great family member, and has been a brother to me; all along with his walk-first attitude which has quickly brought him to the top of HigherEd.