Spending the first hour of your day stuck in traffic can be enough to make you feel like you’re losing control.  According to a recent national study, American drivers waste nearly an entire work week per year just sitting in traffic on the way to and from their jobs.   But, your time behind the wheel doesn’t need to be squandered.  Turn this down time into prime time by following these quick tips to make your commute more productive.    

1.       Use your morning commute for high level strategic thinking.  Take control of the big picture.  Fight the impulse to get caught up on e-mails and calls.  Don’t check your blackberry.  Turn off your cell phone.  Instead, ask yourself, if today flies completely out of control, what one task would I be thrilled to get done?  Spend your drive thinking about this and you’ll enter the office focused and ready to go.  You may even earn your salary before you’ve had your first cup of coffee.

2.       Use your commute home to plan tomorrow, plus two days.  Look at your planner before you leave the office.  Evaluate your progress from the day and ask the big questions:  Did you accomplish everything you wanted?  Are there new tasks to add to your list?  On your trip home, think about your pacing for the next couple of days.  If your days look full, apply the 4Ds (delete, delay, delegate, or diminish) to lighten your load.  If your days look light, use your drive home to think about future projects that will put you on the front edge.  Leave yourself voice messages to capture your ideas.

3.       Use your commute for relationship management.  Keep your morning quiet, but maximize the drive home by making calls to clients, friends, and family to maintain relationships.  Even in the age of e-mail, a phone call can go a long way.  Like the old commercial said “reach out and touch someone”—make a strong impact on your interpersonal relationships by reaching out to the key people in your life. 

4.       Use your commute for pleasure.  Savor the moment by throwing a little enjoyment and pep into your drive.  The time you have behind the wheel is your time.  Do something you like during these precious moments you have alone with no risk of interruptions.  Listen to your favorite music, get lost in a book on tape, or learn another language. 

Share with us what you do on your commute. Do you take personal time, think about work, or plan your schedule? Do you do something unique?

Share with us.