5 Tips for a Productive Commute

by Mr. 4HWD on February 24, 2015 1 Comment

It’s no secret that our daily commute can easily be the most annoying, and even time consuming part of our day. I’m sure we can all come up plenty of things we’d rather be doing rather than sitting in traffic or waiting on public transportation.

I recently read that the average commuting time in the United States was 25 minutes one way. So, it’s safe to say that plenty of people spend at least one hour per day commuting to and from their job. That statistic got me thinking about ways we could make our commute time more productive. After all, we all lead busy lives with packed schedules, so an extra hour each day could really add up.

While we all have different commuting lengths and modes of transportation, there are plenty of ways to make the most out of our daily commutes. Here are five ways to make your daily commute to work more productive.

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3 Reasons Stress is Good For You

by Mr. 4HWD on February 17, 2015 Leave a Comment

Lately it feels like I’ve been burning the candle at both ends. Between work, side hustling, and all my personal commitments, I’m starting to brink on feeling overwhelmed. This isn’t a new feeling for me, in fact I consistently keep my plate pretty full. I used to think I was just a glutton for punishment, however over the years I’ve realized that by keeping busy and maintaining a manageable level of stress, I’m actually more productive.

Research shows that certain levels of stress can actually good for us. Stress is believed to help boost your immune system, mood, and overall well-being. There are other benefits to stress, too. Below are three different ways that stress can benefit us.

Good Stress vs. Bad Stress

It’s important to note the difference between “good” stress and “bad” stress, otherwise known as eustress and distress. It’s easy to confuse the two because generally we regard all stressful feelings as negative. Eustress can be considered beneficial, and help with our motivation, focus, and energy. Distress on the other hand, can cause anxiety, decrease productivity, and cause mental and physical ailments. So, keep in mind when I talk about the benefits of stress, in general I’m talking about an optimal level of good stress.

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How to Make Mondays More Manageable

by Mr. 4HWD on January 27, 2015 1 Comment

Monday is often considered the most dreaded day of the week, and why shouldn’t it be? After a weekend filled with activities of our own choosing, the last thing we want to do is wake up early and start in with our weekday morning routine. Mondays can be arduous, but they don’t have to be downright terrible. Here are a few ideas to make the first day of the work week a little more manageable.

Prepare and Plan

The best way to deal with Monday is by preparing on Friday. Rather than falling prey to a relaxed pace at work on Friday, try to keep up your momentum instead. I tend to use Friday as a day to catch up on work as it’s usually a quieter day in the office with fewer meetings. In addition to working at a steady pace, take a few moments to organize your email inbox, clean your desk, and make a to-do list for Monday.

Take some of this focus and planning into your weekend by preparing yourself for Monday morning. Catch up on your laundry, lay out your work or gym clothes, and pack your lunch on Sunday night. By preparing and planning ahead of time you will feel more in control, and less stressed or rushed come Monday morning.

Weekend Recharge

Use your weekend wisely. Take time to recharge and relax after your busy week. Take part in activities you enjoy and use your down time to catch up on any personal tasks that have been nagging you. The weekend is also a great time to unplug. Avoid checking work email, especially if it isn’t urgent. Your weekend is your break from work, so don’t spend too much time thinking about work tasks or worrying about work issues you can’t do anything about over the weekend.

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7 Ways to Find More Time to Work on Your Side Hustle

by Mr. 4HWD on September 9, 2014 6 Comments

Balancing a side hustle with full-time work is not easy. Finding the time to work on your side business can be difficult, but there are ways to devote additional time. Incorporating these time management tips will add valuable hours to your week, and more time means more money in your pocket!

1. Wake up earlier

Start your day earlier. Or, stay up later if that works better for you. If you wake up 30 minutes earlier than normal three times a week you gain 90 extra minutes. That’s over six hours per month! Imagine the amount of work you could accomplish.

2. Use your lunch break

Taking breaks during your work day is important. However, if you find yourself with down time at your 9-5, use it to your advantage. Use break time to research potential clients and pitch your services. Take a walk during your break and brainstorm new ideas.

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Save Your Passions for Later on in Life

by Mr. 4HWD on March 4, 2014 19 Comments

“Follow Your Passion”

I don’t think that saying even existed 40 years ago since most of our parents by no means followed their passion. But it is a saying that I hear thrown around a lot these days. Everyone seems to think you can follow your passion and be successful. Well unless your passion happens to coincide with a viable business opportunity, you’re probably not going to be that successful(by most measures of success).

I’m not sure when the shift from ‘working a job until you die’ to ‘following your passion’ happened but we’re definitely in the midst of it. I work with a lot of the older generation and there is an inordinate amount of them who have worked at the same company for 20, 30 or even 40 years. I can’t even imagine what it would be like working that long in the same corporate job but there are lots of people who have done it. [Read more…]

Should You Follow Your Passion?

by Mr. 4HWD on January 14, 2014 14 Comments

When I was little I used to always hear, “you can be anything you want when you grow up.” But as time went by and I grew older, it seemed like there was actually less and less that I could be. I’ve always had an interest in business and finance but my degree in aerospace engineering almost precludes me now from working in those fields. It’s tough to pick a major when you’re only 18, and that’s probably one of the reasons why so many college freshmen go in undeclared. But after a year or two, you’re going to be forced to pick between passion and practicality.

I’ve always been good at math and science but it’s never been my passion. I was a great student growing up but I would always pick sports over studying or hanging with my friends over homework and that’s pretty much how I am now. I don’t mind working my ass off during the 8 hours a day I’m at work, but once that clock hits 5, I’m ready to go home and move on with my life. [Read more…]

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Work Less, Save More, Live More

Good Stress vs. Bad Stress

Prepare and Plan

Weekend Recharge

1. Wake up earlier

2. Use your lunch break

“Follow Your Passion”

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