I am always clipping out (or tearing out) articles from various professional and personal magazines that I will read “some day.” I have been doing this for years (say, way back to those high-school days believe it or not…) I used to get so frustrated because I never found the time to get to the articles and they just kept piling up on my floor or desk.
Then someone helped me!
When I first started working in corporate America, right out of college, my manager told me to make a 5-10 Minute file. He explained that we frequently waste time because we are waiting on someone else. [The company I worked for was infamous for starting meetings late – how aggravating!] To combat that waste of time, he suggested I have a file that contained information that I could read quickly if I was ever looking for something to do for a few minutes.
Here is how you can make your own 5-10 minute file:
1. Make it a point to go through your favorite magazines AS THEY ARRIVE, and tear out the good articles. (Yes, tear them apart.) Throw out the “remains” immediately. (how many advertisements or perfume samples do you need anyway?!)
2. Keep a supply of the useful articles in your jacket pocket, briefcase, handbag, etc.
3. Whenever you have a spare moment, pull one out and read it instead of staring at an elevator wall or scanning the tabloids near the cash register while you wait in line. (It's also a good idea to make photocopies of key pages/sections of books and use them for the same purpose.)
Until we talk again,
Live Fully — Love Openly — Laugh Often — Leverage Your Brilliance — Connect Authentically — Get Your Message Out — Serve with Impact — Prosper Everyday
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