In this day and age, the average global citizen has more opportunity than any other time in history, but we are not all in a position to grab that opportunity. 

For some, you have to work so hard to put food on the table and pay the bills that you don't have time to learn a new skill. For others, they are busy with family responsibilities and find it hard to take advantage of opportunities.

Some of us are just lazy... lol.

(Source)

I have found that when I am the busiest, I am also my most productive. I know... obviously, right. But beyond the basics, when I have more to do, I find myself using my downtime more efficiently. Finding way to grow and learn new things in the time between doing other things can help you seize some of those opportunities. 

Here are some ways to grow during your downtime.

Audiobooks

When you are driving, don't just listen to music or your favorite CD, get some audiobooks and listen to them. Pick books that will help you improve your life. If you want to lose weight, get an audiobook on healthy eating. If you want to make more money, then get a book on finances. Find ways to turn your daily driving routine into learning sessions.

Educational YouTube Videos

There are videos on YouTube to learn just about anything. During your next lunch break, watch a couple of videos on a subject that you want to learn. If you want to learn video editing, then watch tutorials so you can learn the information before you try it out.

If you want to know more about crypto, then watch a videos each day for a different coin. Take time while you are waiting at your daughter's dance practice or waiting for your car to be inspected. The videos can be short, but you can learn a lot in a short amount of time.

Sign Up For Newsletters

One great way to start learning a new industry is to sign up for email newsletters for the projects or businesses you respect. If you want to get into Real Estate, then start getting market reports and emails from local realtors. Sign up for email lists and read what is going on in the market. Then when you go to get your realtor liscense next fall, you will have a head start in understanding your market. 

On a side note, signing up for crypto project newsletters is a great way to know what is coming up for different coins as well. This is something I do for the projects that I follow.

Social Mentor

Find someone who is doing what you want to do, but is the best in the game. Find that person that really knows their stuff, but also posts on social media. Follow that person, and consume all the content they put out. For example, if you want to start your own digital marketing company, follow all the content that Gary Vaynerchuck puts out. Follow them in your down time. Watch their videos when you can and engage on Facebook and Instagram. You can do it while you are using the bathroom. lol

If you want to be a writer, then follow and engage with your favorite writers. I do this one and it works for me. I ultimately want to write novels and other books. One of my favorite authors is Clive Cussler, and I have joined the Clive Cussler Collector's Society on social media and through that, have met and become friends with a couple of his co-authors. Over a year, I've built up a relationship though this group and one day it could help me out. At the very least I will have some great people to give me advice.

I hope you found some good tips here. There are a lot of ways to use your downtime to prep your mind for the next big opportunity in your life. Fill your brain with knowledge and you'll find a way to be successful. I believe in you.

Do you have any other tips? 

Which ones do you do?

Let me know in the comments below.

Thanks for reading.