What Drives You? Five Ways to Make Your Commute More Productive

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Each weekday, I spend an average of an hour and 35 minutes in my car. At first, it may seem like wasted time. How much can you really accomplish while focusing on the road—especially in South Florida traffic? I developed a system that helps me stay connected to make my commute more productive and engaging. Here are five things I do during my drive.

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Five Ways To Have A Productive Drive

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Positive Affirmations:

I recently started singing (yes, singing) positive affirmations in the morning. At first, I was skeptical. Could simply reciting a few words really make a difference? Surprisingly, it does. I wrote an article about the science of positive affirmations: click here to learn why they make a difference. When I sip my morning coffee, my positive affirmations set a positive tone for my day.

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Listening to Nonfiction Books:

People absorb information in different ways—visually, kinesthetically, and auditorily. As an auditory learner, I process information best by listening. That’s why audiobooks have been a game-changer for me. Audiobooks spark new ideas and inspiration. Whether you’re experiencing a reading slump or eagerly devouring any book in sight, I’ve compiled some fiction and nonfiction book recommendations for every stage of your reading journey.

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Tuning Into Podcasts:

Unlike audiobooks, podcasts are concise and provide quick insights during my commute. They keep me informed on current events, help me understand socioeconomic trends, and offer fresh takes on nostalgic pop culture. Plus, they make for great conversation starters at work. I hear podcast references at least three times a week, and just recently, a colleague and I discussed how Gen Z considers Alex Cooper from Call Her Daddy to be a modern-day Diane Sawyer.

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Connecting with Friends:

One of the advantages of working in the corporate world is that many of my friends in different industries have similar schedules. Although we hold various roles, our commutes provide a perfect opportunity to catch up, share ideas, and brainstorm together. These conversations help me stay connected, inspired, and engaged beyond the office walls.

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Recognizing the Value of My Time:

Before I started commuting, I didn’t fully appreciate the power of uninterrupted time to strategize and reflect. Now, those 95 minutes each day serve as a mental reset. They help me prepare for the day ahead and decompress before I walk through my front door. Instead of viewing my commute as lost time, I see it as an opportunity to be present and intentional.

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You have the power to make your morning commute a time for self-development. With these five ways to have a productive drive, you can transform a morning commute to a time of uninterrupted self-reflection.