Why Drive Time is Such an Important Time of the Day

How many minutes a day are you in your car? According to multiple sources, the average commute for most Americans is 34 minutes a day. How about you?

I have a ten minute commute one way. That is the shortest of my career. However, I spend large amounts of timing driving to the airport or to a coffee shop, or a lunch meeting. Therefore, I suspect I spend about one hour per day in my car.

For some of you this may be 1-2+ hours per day. Whatever the amount, it might be the most important time of the day for you. I use this time like a tennis player uses his/her time in-between games or sets - to focus. Yes, I will make phone calls and occasionally I will listen to some news and catch up a bit on the latest Wall Street trend. The power, however, exists in the focus.

Morning Drive Time: This is a perfect time to put on motivating music, a leadership CD, or an inspirational talk. Learning is refreshing and powerful, whereas the news can be depressing and distracting. Make the most of this time. I am currently alternating with some great music, my monthly Maximum Impact Club CD and a few podcasts. I also use this time to focus on my day and pray for employees, family, etc.

Day Time Drives: I use this time for some quick focus. I typically go over something that has happened with a “next step” approach, or visualize a meeting that I have coming up. I rarely listen to music or news at all during this time. This is a good time to gain perspective, so make the most of it.

Evening Drive Time: I most likely will make a call or two on my drive home. However, I try diligently to cut these off at a certain spot so I can be ready to give my all to my family. The spot for me happens to be a certain bridge with a beautiful view. When I reach this spot I try to shift my mind to think about what my family has been doing and going through. I then plan a couple of significant things for my kids before the night is over.

Drive time is powerful. Make the most of it. You will find that when you do you become a more consistent leader, spouse, mother or father. It is quite possibly the most important time of your day. Do it right.

Posted on July 15, 2009 in Leader Development