This week I got stuck in an elevator! I’ve often wondered what I would do in such a situation. Would I remain cool, calm and collected, throw myself against the walls in a blind rage at the injustice of it all, or would my reaction be somewhere in between?
This week I found my answer: Get stuff done! Here are six productivity tips for when you’re stuck in an elevator:
1. Tackle a big issue: You know that project or problem you’ve been mulling over but just can’t find the time or solitude to work through? Now you have both.
2. Organize emails: Take a spin through your “flagged for follow-ups” and respond to what needs attention, archive what might come in handy later and delete once and for all those emails just taking up space.
3. Call your parents: It’s been awhile, hasn’t it? Give Mom and/or Dad a call to see how they’re doing. Just don’t tell them you’re stuck in an elevator. Parents tend to worry about silly stuff like that. When they inquire about the ringing phone in the background (which is actually the building’s Help Team calling to let you know rescue is on the way), tell them you got a landline as part of your ongoing quest toward responsible adulthood. When they ask for the number, fake a bad connection and hang up.
4. Practice your elevator speech: See what my good friend Kate McCall has to say on this topic here.
5. Read up on your friends’ interests: My friends are always posting interesting stories and links on social media that I don’t have a chance to read. This week I learned a whole lot about diverse topics like animal adoption, genetically modified foods and the great work of beloved Ghostbuster Harold Ramis.
6. Resolve to take the stairs: You wouldn’t be in this pickle in the first place if you weren’t always taking the easy way out! Now that you have some time to reflect, what other small changes to your daily habits can make a big difference?
Once you’re free again, be sure to thank the people who busted you out! Cookies are always nice, but Oreo cake is better.
