15 Work Things To Do When You Only Have 15 Minutes
I work from home. My kids are around and are always asking for something from me. I know I am supposed to be focused and totally present with them but the truth of the matter is if they are watching a cartoon, why can't I do some work too? Or if they are at swim lesson, do I have to be 100% present? Reality is, for better or worse, I am dying to get a few more things done when I am sitting and waiting.
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Don't shoot the messenger but here are a handful of things you can do to get more work done when you only have your phone a limited amount of time.
1. Make a quick phone call. Seriously.
It's hard to make a phone call these days, right? We are always so distracted and then as more time goes by we think the conversation has to be longer and longer. But I find, I am actually making more phone calls now that I have in years. It's easier and faster than texting or shooting a quick email. It's okay if we haven't talked in a while, who said we have to stay on the call for a long while anyway? We don't have to make up for lost time.
So really, you can call your client, your co-worker, your mentor and say:
"Hey! I have 5 minutes to talk and wanted to get your input on XYZ. Do you have time now?"
Certainly the person on the other end will tell if you if it's a good time for them and then, take that moment. Have your call. Discuss your thoughts and ideas. Right now.
Plus, I truly think phone calls these days are "back". It's easy to avoid and write. Phone calls build relationships. Relationships build businesses.
2. Edit photos for social media postings.
No one said the photos on social media had to be from that exact moment always. Do we always live in these picture perfect environments? And if you are a mompreneur, then I know you know about social media. And there's probably always this feeling that you have to have more out there.
So while you are sitting and waiting, go through and edit some of your photos. Brighten them up. Make them square. Heart them.
3. Comment and connect with your people.
Review and comment on social media platforms that you are attracted to. Comment and connect with the content creators that you admire and aspire to be like. I know I want to build my tribe with like minded women. I love it when people connect and comment on my work. It's feedback and connection. It's crazy to think that real relationships can develop over social media but the fact of the matter is not only is it possible but it's happening time and time again. Imagine connecting with your people. All it takes is reaching out...
4. Review your monthly / weekly goals.
I am going to assume you have goals well-established. You have things you want to accomplish this month and you are actively working on them. Right? If not, then spend the 15 minutes or call me. (Like now.)
If you DO have your goals set then take a look at them. Now. The work that you are doing, the place you are spending your time, is it here? Are you actively working to achieve them? Where and how can you spend your time better? Where and how can you be more efficient? What needs to shift? Where do you need help in order to get to your goals?
Do that. Write that down. Make your changes.
5. Update Your To-Do List.
Don't you just love a good to-do list? Do you use Evernote? I live and breathe by Evernote. I can create, review and update my to-do lists on the fly. They've even got checkboxes so when I am done, I can check my box and move on. When I am sitting I like to go over and figure out what's next. Is the work? Is it the grocery store? Is it the next kiddo activity? Geez, even what's for dinner is always on the list! Update your to-do list, figure out what's next.
6. Calendar Block.
Yes. Now is the time to put in your calendar when you are going to do those important, high priority tasks. Block out the time. Even if you don't use it as an exact science, it's helpful to see and know just what activity you have to do and what timeframe you have to do it in!!
7. Pin Strategically.
Followers and value count. I hate to admit that and even say it out loud. Well, the followers part, not the value part. But it's true. If social media is a part of your business (and I almost can't imagine what business would be without it) then you must be online. Pinterest is far more important now than it ever was and there is no better time than the present than to make your Pinterest profile that much better. Pin pin pin.
There's a whole lot more to be said about Pinterest and a whole lot of learning to be had! I, personally, am following anything and everything The Busy Budgeter does! (Remember her from one of my first podcasts?? She is making well over 6 figures on her blog in less than 2 years time! Here's that podcast interview with Rosemarie Groner.) And while we're at it, her working with me and her Pinterest Strategy CheatSheet has helped this site get tons and tons more traction.
8. Email an old client.
I have said it before and I'll say it again. Following up and keeping a relationship going is what will keep you in mind. Everyone loves to be thought of and you need nothing more than a quick email saying
"Saw that XYZ was happening and it made me think of you. Hope you guys are doing well and pressing forward. Let's connect again soon."
You have kept your conversation and more importantly, your relationships going. That was 3 sentences that ultimately told your old client that you still cared. What better way than to spend a few minutes of your time?
9. Read.
You don't have to read a book. You can if you want but you can also start reading more about the business things you want and need to do. I cannot even begin to tell you how massive Pinterest is and how it truly is not just for pulling entertaining ideas together anymore. I have learned and learned and learned so much, business-wise, from reading about what other people are doing from reading and researching posts on Pinterest.
10. YouTube.
If you want to learn anything and I mean ANYTHING YouTube is the place to go. I literally learned how to physically podcast from YouTube videos. When I talked with Deva from My Life Suckers, (you know the awesome viral video maker), she said she learned about video editing through YouTube too! Want to learn anything - YouTube it!
11. Meditate.
I love to meditate. It has such a bad rap. People think you need to sit there and magically make your mind go empty but it's simply not (always) the case. I don't even know how one would begin to make their mind go empty. I think my skin would start crawling and I'd have a panic attack or something! Much less, if I was able to find a time for no interruptions, now I have to figure out how make my mind go empty??
Okay - so I get it. I'm not interested in making my go empty. Truth is that is probably for the expert mediators. That's not me. What does the beginner meditator do? Someone like me? You get these amazing meditations that guide your thoughts in a positive uplifting manner. Think about your dreams. Think about your power. Think about forgiving yourself. Think about how this world is there for you to bring your best foot forward.
My favorite meditation is this one. It's 20 minutes and I will admit, I sometimes (cough) fast forward right to the good stuff around minute 8. But imagine being guided to your best self?? Seriously what better way to spend 15 minutes?
12. Sit down and do nothing.
You heard it. Your body needs to rest. Your mind needs to rest. How can you be your best self if you are constantly running? Put on some music and rest. Sit down and do nothing!
Wooops. I know I said I had 15 great ideas for working while the kiddos are distracted but truth is - this is where and how I focus my time. I could make up another 3 more ideas but that would just be fluff - right. When I have a moment to sneak a peak at my phone - here i my focus. Truly.
