You’ve got loads of time that you’ll hopefully never get again, start using it:
3 Ways to Make Your Quarantine More Productive
It’s not what happens to us, but our response to what happens to us that hurts us.
— Stephen R. Covey
You’re experiencing quarantine boredom, we all are.
But, what you do with that boredom is what differentiates you.
Whether you continue to work online or you’re stagnant, you likely have more time. You just don’t know what to do with it.
So, for those of you who finished Netflix and are currently resisting the urge to flirt with your bedside lamp, this one’s for you.
Here are three ways that we can put ourselves ahead during quarantine:
1. Have a One-way Conversation
with a book.
Call me old fashioned, but I prefer physical books over digital ones. In fact, research suggests that you retain less information from reading something online, compared to a physical book.
There’s a reason why e-readers haven’t taken over the book industry for 16 years and counting. I won’t hold it against you if you do read online though, the differences aren’t life-changing.
But, why read anyway? I got Netflix, after all.
I’ll give you a couple of reasons.
Regular reading can improve our memory and concentration, widen our vocabulary (enhance communication), and lead to stronger analytical thinking skills.
The more we read, the more knowledge we acquire. In turn, we make smarter decisions with beneficial outcomes. That makes us powerful.
Still not enough for ya? Here’s my most important reason:
If you want to be good at something, only listen to those who have successfully done it before you.
I remember reading that somewhere; we should all live by that.
Sometimes though, we can’t have that successful person as our mentor; whatever the reason may be. So, how do we learn from them?
Through books.
Whether they’re autobiographies, the self-help genre, or other recommended picks from our idols. Books are the medium through which we get a glimpse inside brilliant minds. By reading, we add a little brilliant to ourselves.
I want to improve my financial literacy. So, I started with Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki — a multi-millionaire real estate investor and entrepreneur.
I also want to be an inspiring leader. So, I started with How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. He analyzed some of the most influential men that industrialized American society.
Would these guys ever mentor me? Probably not. One is too busy and the other is too dead. That’s why I did the next best thing and read their books. That’s how they mentored me.
Look at it this way: I basically had a one-way conversation with two highly successful men. They did the “talking”, while I just “listened”, or, read.
Here are people I want to one-way-converse with in the next month (my need-to-read list):
- Peter Thiel in ZERO to ONE
- Malcolm Gladwell in Outliers
- Jocko Willink in Extreme Ownership
- Benjamin Graham in The Intelligent Investor
Who do you want to have a one-way conversation with?
2. Learn a New Skill
heck, turn it into a living!
Consider quarantine as a break from your job that requires a certain skill.
So, what do you do during that break?
You learn a new skill and widen the breadth of your capabilities.
It’s quite simple, really. Just look up “high-income skills” and find one that speaks to you.
A high-income skill set is worth more than gold for a freelancer.
So, while everyone is stuck at home, why don’t you make some money?
Here are some platforms where you can start learning various hard-skills.
I’m learning Photoshop and programming. On top of that, I’m learning how to cook. I’m also reading two more books on entrepreneurship and value investing. Did I mention that I’m finally playing the guitar that has been sitting in my room for years?
Lastly, I learned to solve the Rubik’s cube in under a minute.
Oh, and I’m writing more, almost forgot.
I’m not bragging (okay, maybe a little bit with the Rubik’s cube). I’m showing you the potential things that you could be doing over being “bored”.
By the way, they don’t all have to be for money (does anyone wanna pay me to solve their Rubik’s cube? No? OK). Learning new skills could open you up to new perspectives, and have indirect benefits you would never see coming.
“The most successful people in life are the ones who ask questions. They’re always learning. They’re always growing. They’re always pushing.”
Work to learn.
— Robert Kiyosaki
3. Work out! Wait, But Aren’t the Gyms Closed?
Sure, gyms may be closed. But, there are great home workouts comprised of bodyweight exercises and HIIT training. All it takes is a Google/YouTube search and some open space.
Regular exercise can make you feel happier. You can lose weight, develop muscle and bone strength, and improve brain function and memory!
Not to mention, you’ll look great.
Look me in the eyes and tell me you don’t want that. I didn’t think so.
Quarantine puts us in a unique position to follow through with our fitness goals.
Before quarantine, my lunch was often fast-food. Not the healthiest option. Now that I’m stuck at home with no fast-food restaurants on my radar, I make homemade meals that are relatively nutritious. I think many can relate.
With fast-food out of our way, a healthier diet coupled with consistent exercise will finally get you that greek god/goddess physique you’ve been dreaming about.
I mean, we’re coming out of quarantine sooner or later…
So why not come out and look banging? GO GET EM, TIGER.
Before you go, remember: family time is prime time.
Here’s a bonus: spend more time with your family!
I can’t remember the last time my family and I watched a movie together in the living room. Quarantine let it happen.
Instead of drowning in boredom, let’s spend some time with our family (at home). It’s time to prove that our familial bonds extend further than just some chromosomal DNA, don’t you think?
But, what if I live alone?
I’m sure you’ll manage.
Thank you for reading!
Next steps:
- Read
- Learn a new skill(s)
- Exercise
- Spend time with your family and friends
So, you gonna do it?