The number 900 means something special to me. I truly believe that people have a few extra minutes a day. 
The question is: do people realize they have a few minutes to do something they normally wouldn’t do? If they do –
- What do they do with that time?
- Do they make a decision to try and make it part of their day?
- Do they block out a few minutes to take some time for themselves?
So the number 900 is the number of seconds it takes if you only spend 15 minutes doing something different every day. What do I do you ask?
- I call someone I used to work with
- Get in touch with an old college friend
- Get to know the staff a little bit better
- Say “what if” on a new strategy for the company
- Google a subject that I know nothing about
- Review a few research sites to make sure I am aware of events that are happening in the industry
The 15 minutes a day I am talking about is very, very important to me. I look forward to it each and every day. If you think you don’t have any extra time, think about the old adage “if you want something done, give it to someone who is busy”
You have 15 minutes a day – you just might not realize it!
Michelle Elster says:
Merrill:
I’m enjoying your blog. Are you getting good responses?
Michelle
Merrill Dubrow says:
Michelle,
Hope all is well in Chicago. Yes – getting very positive responses. Some of the topics have generated terrific interest. Some of the postings are very near and dear to my heart like the one about “Where have all of the Interviewers gone” – I am truly concerned.
Looking forward to reading your comments.
Merrill
Naomi Walters says:
Merrill, I’m enjoying your blog as well. I think I would add two more items in your 15 minutes a day.
1. Say thanks to those that offer their services as a volunteer – they make our lives better.
2. Smile – no cost, easy on the face and opens you to many conversations and possibilities!
I would also add in read for pleasure, dance and listen to music, but sometimes you get caught up in one or the other and don’t get all of them done! Have a great day.
Naomi
Ginger Blazier says:
Hi Merrill,
Just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to set up and manage this blog. It is a great idea because it brings all of us together and allows for sharing our thoughts, opinions, “war” stories and allows for possible resolutions to issues we may be having. One person’s issues may have already been experienced and resolved by someone else.
I am a firm believer of the 15 minute idea. Things move so fast, a lot of us don’t take the time to “smell the roses” and spend time with our loved ones. I always try to take the time to call (not e-mail or txt message), a close friend, a family member, or a colleague regularly just to say hi, see how they are doing and let them know that they are in my thoughts. We need to remember to treasure what cannot be replaced.
Thanks,
Ginger
Deb Forte says:
Merrill,
Thanks for being the leader you are. The blog is great. We put up a hammock this year I am using it everyday (that is in the summer) for about 15 mins. That is interesting how we are all taking a look at how fast life is really going by. Just got back from taking my first off to college. Embry Riddle Daytona Beach. He will be great as a pilot. I will be visiting Embry for the next 6 years how exciting. If you haven’t had a child go off to college it is so so hard. I am slowly cutting the cord. The years go by so fast I am so so proud of him. Through all my years of being a mom and a business woman I am so proud he has learned the value of setting goals and being positive. He is truly headed in the right direction.
Thanks again DEB
Merrill Shugoll says:
You are so creative. That’s only one of the many reasons I value you so much as a friend. I’ll try this each and every day and let you know about the journey.
Danielle Blugrind says:
I once learned in a time-management class that if you take 15 minutes at the end of each day to do a little more around the house, you’ll never be behind on that checklist of little things that need to get done. Probably true, but I prefer your approach – spend that 15 minutes not on putting some files away or cleaning the room, but on something meaningful. Personally meaningful. I remember once at the end of a weekend I realized that I hadn’t done a thing on my ever-present to-do list. Someone wise asked me what I had done all weekend, so I replied, “well, I took my daughter to the park and we had a picnic, then we played games, and she drew pictures for me, and I read a book…” and he said, “wow, sounds like you got a lot of important things accomplished.”
I will never forget that. I like your philosophy on what you can “accomplish” in those extra 900 seconds of the day.