Maximizing a Trip

Apr04
2012 56 Comments Written by danonleadership

My in-laws are in the process of moving from Portland Oregon to San Diego California (Good weather choice, right?). So on Monday night I flew up to help with the move. Tuesday morning I helped load up the truck and also spent time with close friends and family. On Wednesday and Thursday we will be making the 18 hour trip down to the land of sunshine. I wanted to point out some things I’m going to do to maximize my trip, and possibly encourage you to maximize your time when you take a trip.

The first thing I did before I flew up was to think about what I wanted to accomplish while I was on the trip. Because most of my time will be spent either in a car or truck I brought books on CD, Audio lessons, thought starters, and a list of things I wanted to spend some time thinking about.  I have some different projects/ideas I have been wanting to think about so this trip gave me the best chance I’ll have because I will have lots of time. I plan on having a voice recorder to capture my thoughts. Though I will not intend to read while driving (Yes, people do this) I will bring a small book for the flight and in case I want to read it while on a pit stop.

Everyone has the potential to maximize their productivity and time while on a trip. This only happens though if you take time to plan and then intentionally execute your plan.

A Challenge: Take 30 minutes to 1 hour to plan for your next trip. Here are some things you might want to think about bringing and doing:

Growth resources for your down time (Like a book or audio lesson).

Current projects you’re focusing and working on.

Future projects you need to brain storm, think about, and plan.

A way to capture any thoughts you want to remember (Pen & paper, voice recorder, or a phone app.).

Thoughts you can think about and meditate on.

If you’re a writer then a computer or a pen and paper so you can write.

[I won't have my laptop on this trip so I'll be replying to the comments on Thursday night or Friday. Feel free to comment and add to the discussion.]  You can also read another post on being productive while in your car here.

Question: How do you maximize your productivity and time while on a trip?

Posted in Leadership, Personal Growth & Development - Tagged , , , ,
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  • http://billgrandi.com/ bill (cycleguy)

    I am a listener to music on trips Dan. I find it very difficult to listen to something that requires my undivided attention to think. I can listen to something less taxing, say the fist two Peretti books I have on CD or some Radio Theater CDs but I am lost when it comes to serious things. Reckon it is a good thing I am not a traveling salesman. :) Hope your trip was a safe and good one. That will also be cool to have them closer to you all.

    • http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

      Bill,

      I also brought some worship/Christian rock CD’s. It was great to worship and connect with God.

      It was a good trip down but very long and tiring. We are so happy they are closer to us.

      Thanks for reading and have a blessed weekend. I’ll be praying for your services.

  • http://tcavey.blogspot.com/ TCAvey

    I use travel time to think or to relax, I enjoy music so I like to sit in the car and listen to something uplifting.
    I’m also guilty of listening to a great deal of talk radio, it’s a way for me to stay connected to what is transpiring in the world. But I have to balance all that “good” news with some great praise and worship.

    • http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

      TC Avey,

      Listening to talk radio is a great idea. Thank you for reading and sharing.

      • http://tcavey.blogspot.com/ TCAvey

        You’re welcome, hope the move went well.

        There are some great talk radio shows, and some really really bad ones ;)

        • http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

          TC Avey,

          The move and drive went well, it was just a very long trip that took a lot out of me.

          I’m going to find and listen to some talk radio shows next time:)

          • http://tcavey.blogspot.com/ TCAvey

            I understand a trip like that taking it out of you. This is the first summer in 4 years we are not helping to move family. It’s still early in the year, but hopefully we won’t have any moving!

  • http://talesofwork.com/ kimanzi constable

    I love audiobooks, I listen to them at work every morning along with podcasts and an audio Bible. There is so much great material to listen to and get inspired with if you have to go on a long drive like that. You could even use that time to learn a new language?

    I will be using your idea of taking an hour ahead of time to properly plan the trip, very smart advice. Great post Dan!

    • http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

      Kimanzi,

      Audiobooks are great! I wish I thought about learning a new language, I have been wanting to learn Spanish and the trip would have allowed me to start the process.

      Glad the post helped.

      ps.While flying to Portland I read half of The Millionaire Messenger by Brendon Burchard and it’s a great book. I know your going to enjoy the conference/training your going to.

      • http://talesofwork.com/ kimanzi constable

        Really excited!

  • http://www.robsorbo.com/p/welcome-from-disqus.html Rob Sorbo

    Good thoughts. I have an app on my phone that I write things down in (I lose ideas amazingly fast if I don’t write them down!), but I don’t have anything to record them on (I bet there’s an app for that too…I’ll have to look).

    Since my parents are missionaries, I used to have to plan to entertain myself for 30+ hours in the air, plus time in airports, plus multiple time changes. The first thing I would do is set my watch for the time I’d be travelling too, and I usually would try not to sleep the night before so that I would be tired enough to sleep at “night” of my new timezone on the plane.

    • http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

      Rob,

      I use Evernote which allows you to write/record your thoughts and highly recommend it. You can sync it between your computer and phone.

      30+ hours wow that’s a long time. You must be a master at entertaining yourself and having things to do. Great idea about setting your watch.

      Thank you for taking the time to read and share.

      • http://www.robsorbo.com/p/welcome-from-disqus.html Rob Sorbo

        Thanks for the suggestion. I’ve heard good things about Evernote, but never checked it out.

        • http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

          Rob,

          It would be worth checking out.

          I got your email yesterday and plan on reading your guest post after I finish replying to the comments. I’m sure it’s a great one.

          • http://www.robsorbo.com/p/welcome-from-disqus.html Rob Sorbo

            Thanks. After I wrote it I decided that it didn’t fit the voice of my blog that well, but thought it would fit your blog better. Don’t feel like you have to use it if you don’t think it fits your blog.

            • http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

              I really liked the post. I just sent you an email. Have a great weekend.

  • http://www.lifeofasteward.com Loren Pinilis

    I think, for me, it starts a few weeks out. Any tasks that I could do on the trip, I tend to mark and save them for the trip. It’s all about context – understanding what you can do when and where.

    • http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

      Loren,

      Great idea. I also did this with this trip. I have been meaning to outline a manifesto I want to work on but have put it off for the trip because of the amount of time I would have to think/outline it.

      I also believe we need to prepare for the unexpected, like flight delays. Thanks for adding value to the discussion.

  • http://www.noahlomax.com/ Noah Lomax

    Love this, because that is exactly what I do with trips! I love audio books, but I have to mix it up. I usually try to set some goals such as: I want to finish two hours of my audio book; spend 30 minutes thinking through a particular situation; spend twenty minutes praying for future plans; etc. I must admit, once upon a time I read at the wheel…. Those days have passed.

    • http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

      Noah,

      Good idea about having goals. I did not do this before hand but did while on the trip. It’s something I intend to think about more before my next trip.

      Reading at the wheel, I knew some one would admit to it. At least your still alive and no longer do it:)

      Thank you for sharing and adding value to the post.

    • http://dbartosik.com/ david bartosik

      what are the suggestions for best audio books or audio lessons to go through? Look forward to hearing that list! :)

      • http://www.noahlomax.com/ Noah Lomax

        For me, it has to be really intriguing, or I cannot stay with it. My favorite Road Warriors:
        5 Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
        Lynchipn; The Dip, and anything else by Seth Godin
        Bonhoeffer by Eric Metaxas

        Anyone want to add to the list?

        • http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

          What a great list Noah! I would also add,

          Good to Great by Jim Collins
          Crush It by Gary Vaynerchuk
          Failing Forward by John Maxwell
          How People Grow by Henry Cloud and John Townsend
          It’s Your Ship by D. Michael Abrashoff

  • http://www.jasonvana.com Jason Vana

    I make a list of the books/articles I want to read and the podcasts or sermons I want to listen to. The majority of my trips involved 9 hour plane flights, followed by a few 1-2 hour flights. That’s a LOT of time to catch up on reading or messages.

    • http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

      Jason,

      It sounds like you plan and maximize your trips. Thank you for reading and sharing.

  • http://theregoi.com/ floyd

    I always have my pen, paper, and laptop with me when I travel. I pay attention to details, especially when I’m out of my day to day routine. There’s a story or lesson waiting on every trip.

    • http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

      floyd,

      Great point about “a story or lesson waiting on every trip.” It’s so true. Thanks for adding to the post and discussion.

  • http://www.jmlalonde.com Joe Lalonde

    Most of my trips involve traveling with others. So instead of investing in myself, I invest in the relationships I have with those in the car. We talk, we laugh, we share stories. It helps us grow closer together and enjoy experiences we would never have otherwise.

    • http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

      Joe,

      What a great way to connect and build relationships. I have always enjoyed trips with others. It allows for some great bonding time. During this trip I wish I had a friend or two with me because of the long drive. Thank you for sharing.

      • http://www.jmlalonde.com Joe Lalonde

        I bet you did Dan! 18 hours is a long drive by yourself. Glad you made it back safe

        • http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

          Same with me. I had not problems while driving down but when I was in Portland I was in a friends car when he was rear ended. So I was/still am very sore. I used a lot of Icy Hot patches so it helped. I plan on going to a chiropractor this week.

  • http://www.nginaotiende.blogspot.com Ngina Otiende

    Wow, wish I had thought of this a couple of months ago when I had a 24hr (with a 9hr layover) flight.

    I had a camera, some magazines..and plenty of thoughts (though not intentional/organized, unfortunately).

    I like how you are doing it. Though i still wonder if i can do it like that (being a woman, the more relational gender, i might want more connection time with others..lol)

    Great points though, awesome to consider next time i embark on a long trip.

    • http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

      Ngina,

      That’s a long flight/layover.

      Since your relational you can always have a list of people you intend to call/email, to connect with them. Or plan on meeting someone new and getting to know them through conversation. This might bring an opportunity to share your faith with them.

      On other trips I have made it a point to call or email others while on my down times. It’s a great way to use your time and connect with others.

      Glad to hear the post helped. Thank you for reading it.

      • http://www.nginaotiende.blogspot.com Ngina Otiende

        Great tips!

        • http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

          Hope they help.

  • http://www.lincolnparks.com Lincoln Parks

    As a blogger you know content ideas need to keep flowing, I always have audio CDs with me on every car trip, plane trip or no matter where I am going I am listening to something that will help to grow me. A computer and voice recorder are great. Do you have an iPad or tablet pc? I find it so much easier to carry when I travel, however the computer will do. Optimizing your time like you are doing is great it’s when most thoughts flow.

    Be safe on the road and in the air, and say hi to the family.

    • http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

      Lincoln Parks,

      I don’t have an iPad/Tablet but want to eventually get one. I usually bring my laptop on trips but did not on this one because it was primarily a driving trip. I’m glad I did not because I was able to read a lot during the flight up instead of using my computer. It allowed me to catch up on some reading.

      No matter if it’s a trip or my daily drive, I make it a point to bring audio books and teaching lessons.

      I made it back safely but still am trying to recover from the long trip/hours. Thank you for reading and adding to the discussion.

      • http://www.lincolnparks.com Lincoln Parks

        Can’t ever go wrong with Audio books.

        • http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

          So true:)

  • http://www.thedeterminedchristian.com/ Susan

    Trips are a rarity in my life – the last one was to a family funeral in 1986. I understand the need to feel productive while traveling. However, when I travel (which obviously is not often) I approach the journey like I did when I was a child. I take in the scenery and learn as much as I can about the road I am on. God’s beauty is in the scenery and the people you meet; the conversations you have. It is good to be productive with your time, but sometimes it is good to just enjoy the journey.

    • http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

      Susan,

      Great point about enjoying the journey. I made sure to take time to enjoy the trip down and some of the beautiful land/mountains. Thank you for reading and making the great point about enjoying the journey and people your around.

  • http://www.SpencerMcDonald.net Spencer McDonald

    Trips are good for the soul. It gives you time to recharge, rejuvenate, and reengage in your most important goals in life. I use short trips to the mountains or an island close by my home to capture beautiful pictures. This helps me relax and be more effective in life.

    See my work here. http://www.one23images.com

    Have a great trip Dan.

    • http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

      Spencer,

      So true about trips(Short/long) being “good for the soul.” I really enjoyed the trip down and scenery.

      I just checked out your site and I really enjoy the Gallery’s!!! Great pictures and site. Thank you for sharing.

  • http://chrisvonada.com chris vonada

    This is an excellent topic Dan, I LOVE road trips!! I also bring music along… iPod and iPhone… The Move is usually as much an excursion and a joy ride, but I always try to look at a map ahead of time to locate any interesting spots along the way that I want to be sure and check out… then, I make a point of stopping and enjoying the moment!

    • http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

      Chris,

      Good point about enjoying the interesting stops along your trip. I think music is a must. Thanks for sharing.

  • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

    I love listening to seminars on road trips. Zig Ziglar called them “rolling universities” and I agree. I’ve learned more from cds than I ever did in school.

    • http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

      Skip,

      I love the quote. Each of us should make a point to have a “rolling university” in our cars. I have learned some valuable wisdom because of being intentional about having CD lessons in my car.

      Thank you for stopping by.

    • http://enreachinglives.blogspot.com/ jamie

      Great quote! Love Zig’s motivational CDs…

  • http://thebeardedidealist.com/ Stephen Haggerty

    That’s awesome, Dan. A lot of time my roadtrips are with my wife, so it’s a good catch up time for us. But I also like to have a podcast or 2 ready just in case :)

    • http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

      Stephen,

      Those are the best!!! I have always enjoyed taking trips with my wife. It allows us to connect and build our relationship. My wife and I also take time to listen to marriage or spiritual growth lessons while on trips. It allows us to grow and become better together.

      Thank you for reading and sharing.

  • http://www.indueseason.net skottydog

    I wish you had posted this last week instead! lol
    We traveled this week from Sarasota, Florida to Nashville, Tennessee. Then, from Nashville to Waxhaw, North Carolina. Then, back to Sarasota. With a four year old and two year old. They were AWESOME! We planned for several movies on the laptop as a last resort, and only had to watch the Muppet Movie (or, more accurately, HEAR the Muppet Movie) twice on the whole trip!

    However, every time I snuck out the iPad to write with or do other work, they both yelled, “we want to play on the iPad!” until I was forced to put it away. Not a very productive experience when you have 2 toddlers in such close quarters!

    • http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

      Scott,

      Traveling with kids must be hard when it comes to trying to be productive while on a trip.

      I hope you had a good and fun trip. Being able to attend the Killer Tribes conference and shouting out your FREEDOM live are two things you will always remember!!!

      Thank you for reading and sharing.

  • http://enreachinglives.blogspot.com/ jamie

    This is a good post. For me personally. Because I usually kick back and relax all the way throughout my vacation trips. I don’t think about work at all. I have to learn how to do that :)

    • http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

      Jamie,

      I’m glad the post helped. While on vacation trips my time is mainly relaxing and spending time with family. I still bring along books and a way to write during the time I’m able to read, think, and write. Doing these things is also relaxing for me, It’s easy for me to bring along a book while sitting around a pool with my family.

      I think a balance is important. Thanks for reading and sharing.

      • http://enreachinglives.blogspot.com/ jamie

        That’s my style too – bringing along a book. But I think I shut down the ‘work’ part of my brain the moment I start packing for the trip. LOL.

        • http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

          I totally understand. When on vacation I only focus on doing things I want to do, like read or write. I leave work at work:)