When my days are overflowing and I'm not quite certain how I will fit in one more appointment or make a needed call to a client or friend, I remember the jar full of marbles story. There's always a few air pockets and empty spaces between the solid marbles. So I fill those five and ten minute spaces by:
1) Reading and commenting on blogs.
2) Writing a handwitten note to a client.
3) Step outside and enjoy a few moments of sunshine and fresh air.
4) A few shoulder shrugs and neck rolls at my desk is a great refresher.
5) Organizing emails and files--it will amaze you how much you can accomplish in a few minutes.
6) Making the call I've been postponing for days--it feels great to check it off the list.
7) Stare off into space and daydream for a few moments. Come back to the task at hand refreshed.
8) Perform a random act of kindness. Fix a co-worker a cup of tea or coffee and uplift their spirits.
9) Declutter my desk. This does wonders for my attitude and my productivity.
10) Check in on a client who has suffered a loss--the death of a loved one, the loss of their home, job or health. Sometimes a caring call or email is the best medicine for a weary soul.
Those little air pockets and empty spaces provide some of the most rewarding moments of my day.
P.S. You don't have to work in real estate to reap the benefits of making the most of your mini-moments.
More blogs about a real estate agent's life from Norma.
Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
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Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
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South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate, property, houses and homes in: Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Long Beach, Torrance, Lomita, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. Based on information from the Association of REALTORS®/Multiple Listing as of the initial date of this article/blog publication and /or other sources. Display of MLS data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the MLS. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent.
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I need to take a day off just to get the balance back into life but until I get that chance I am going to use some of you space filling ideas
I usually respond to emails in my mini-moments throughout the day. I like the idea of getting some sunshine though!
Work on key terms for SEO for blogs and our website is another way to fill that time.
I keep my current favorite novel with me and sneak in a little reading.
Eric - Those little breaks do help.
Kristi - Fresh air and sunshine are great mood elevators.
I was doing great until I got to number nine- De Clutter my desk.
Heather - Good additions to the mini-moments list.
Wanda - Oops, I forgot that one--and I do that too.
Glen - Nine out of ten is not too bad.
I take moments to call family and check on everyone. Being on the web some days makes me crazy, so I go out for a walk for about 10 minutes, clears my head.
Valorie --Yes those computer screens can be hard on the eyes and exhausting to the mind.
Great ways to debrief during the day. All very important things that need to be done.
I love some of those ideas. Always trying to motivate the newbies I am going to give them the list.
Pat -- Debriefing is a good way to say it. It is okay to play once in awhile during the day.
Nannette - A little change in the routine is refreshing.
1- 10 sounds like a full day in itself! Great blog...me I am spending spare time learning how blogging works, websites, ect. Great blog.
Dorothea - I don't do all ten every day---just select the one the best suits the moment. Welcome to blogging and I wish you much success.
Great post! Especially #3 - I think we tend to overlook the importance of doing "nothing."