We’ve all found ourselves in situations where time seems to slip away—waiting in a long queue, stuck in traffic, or sitting idle due to slow processes. It might be standing at a bus stop with no real-time updates, waiting at a railway station for a delayed train, standing by an elevator that stops at every floor except yours, or watching your flight delay stretch longer and longer at the airport.

Whether caused by inefficiencies in the system or an unexpected surge in demand, these moments can be frustrating. We might express our displeasure, give feedback, or even try to push for better systems. But in those moments when nothing is going to change immediately, a shift in mindset and a few simple strategies can help us make the most of the time we’d otherwise lose.

  1. Use Solitude to Think Through a Problem – If you’re lucky enough to find a quiet corner while waiting—like a nearly empty waiting room or a peaceful airport gate—use the solitude to reflect on a complex issue you’ve been putting off. Moments like these are rare and precious in our always-on lives. We often long for uninterrupted time to think deeply, yet when it arrives unannounced, we tend to overlook it. Embrace it—you might be surprised at the clarity it brings.
  2. Network & Connect with People Around You – Waiting in line or sitting idle doesn’t have to be a solo experience. Strike up a conversation with someone nearby. Don’t go by their looks/attitude, they are often deceiving – we often misjudge. Just this week, I had a long wait at the Road Transport Office for the re-registration of my car. The person next to me was in the same boat, so I opened a conversation. We ended up chatting for two hours – sharing lots of interesting information from our work and life in general.
  3. Have an “Unexpected Free Time” Kit – A little preparation can make any waiting period feel more purposeful. Noise-cancelling headphones to listen to a podcast, audiobook, or calming music, and an E-reader or Read Later app to keep a book or saved articles ready for easy access.
  4. Organize & Declutter Your Digital Space – Small digital cleanups can be a productive way to pass the time. Sort through your photo gallery – Delete duplicates and organize albums. Remove unused apps – Free up space and declutter your phone.
  5. Embrace Boredom – Sounds counterintuitive, right? But as Deep Work author Cal Newport explains, moments of boredom—rare in modern life—are actually a blessing in disguise. They help strengthen focus, boost creativity, and give our minds a much-needed break from constant stimulation.

Time wasted is often an opportunity unnoticed. Instead of frustration, use delays as moments to reflect, learn, or tackle small tasks. A shift in mindset can turn setbacks into stepping stones for growth.

There’s no single “right” way to handle unexpected waiting time. Some days, you might network or use the moment to clear out digital clutter; other times, diving into a book or simply letting your mind wander might be the better choice. The key is to have all these options ready and decide in the moment what makes the most sense—whether it’s being productive, unwinding, or embracing a rare pause in a busy day.

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(Originally published in Times of India on March 29, 2025)