This year I’ve discovered a “new” productivity hack, and I discovered it 35,000 feet in the air.
On a couple recent flights I found myself knocking out a ton of work during what would otherwise be “wasted” travel time.
I wrote blog posts and emails, did some editing for a client, watched a training video, and listened to podcasts.
Why is the airplane such a productive place?
My theory is that it meets many of the criteria for a successful work block:
- Limited distractions (no Internet)
- Confined space
- A looming “deadline” (landing)
So how can you emulate this without buying a plane ticket?
I think there are a couple ways to get it done.
First, turn off your WiFi.
This is probably the biggest one for me. I’m usually too cheap to splurge for the slow and often-unreliable airplane WiFi, so I’m effectively off the grid for the duration of the flight.
That means no email, no Facebook, no Twitter, no nothing.
And by default, that means more focus on what you CAN do offline.
Second, set a timer.
For years, I saw being trapped in a tiny uncomfortable airplane seat for hours as a necessary evil to get to my destination.
But I’m starting to see it as a blessing in disguise. It means I have uninterrupted time to knock out whatever I need to get done.
You can imitate this feeling on the ground by setting a timer and turning off the WiFi, and not allowing yourself to get up until you “land.”
What do you think? Do you use flying times productively, or do you think this “hack” can help you even in the office?