My "Luggage" Principle

My husband and I often travel. The worst part for us right now is packing. With the additional charges for second pieces, I try to fit everything into one case. However, there is a trick to it; all the big stuff must be put in first. The smaller stuff can fit around it. You know what I mean. It's easy to tuck a shoe, a t-shirt, underwear, etc. into the little nooks and crannies that are formed by your make-up case, your extra jackets, etc. Makes sense?

Did you ever consider this "luggage" principle when it comes to your work? Everybody is always wishing there were more hours in a day, but what about those nooks and crannies of the day that consist of wasted minutes? My particular pet peeve is waiting for others to arrive for a meeting. I can't tell you how many times I've sat ten, even fifteen minutes waiting for folks to arrive. What do you do in that time? Here's some suggestions:
-Keep a file with you of "Stuff I want to read" articles. This is the stuff that you see in a professional journal or magazine that you swear you'll get to, but never seem to have the time.
-Take a "Breathe Break". Research shows that a person's stress level can be significantly reduced by focusing on breathing for just 2 or 3 minutes at a time two or three times per day.-Take notes and make lists like "To Do's", or even better "I've Done". "I've Done" lists help you focus on the accomplishments, not what's still on your plate.
-We never have time to write a little note of encouragement to somebody. Emails don't always have the same impact; we get too many and our inbox can be just another source of stress. Write a note just to say thanks.

These are just a few ideas I have though of recently to help with my "Slight Edge" resolution. What are yours?
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