"Idle Time" Vs. "Me Time": What's The Difference?
(Title image by DALL-E 3)
Hi WA Friends!
Do you ever feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day to do the stuff you really enjoy?
As a guitar player, I totally get it. Between work and everything else on my plate, finding time to play guitar, relax, and enjoy life can be challenging!
That’s why knowing how to turn "idle time" into "me time" can be a real game changer. Once you figure it out, you’ll see what a difference it can make in your lifestyle!
Next month, I'll have a lot more "me time" as I fully retire from my practice of medicine and, with that, also from online marketing. Yup, I'll be firing up the fun and living my best life, but I'll really miss all of you awesome WA community members!
For those of you who may feel a bit overwhelmed with all your work responsibilities, I want to share my method for adding the most enjoyment to each day while still remaining adequately productive. It might sound somewhat quirky, but it works!
What Is Idle Time?
"Idle time" is those moments when you’re stuck waiting. Maybe you’re standing in a long line, sitting in a waiting room, or riding the bus or train. You’re not really doing anything important, but that doesn’t mean the time has to go to waste.
A lot of us just scroll through social media or stare out the window during idle time. But with the right tools and a little planning, you can use that time to get stuff done!
What Is Me Time?
"Me time" (or "we time" if you’re with family or friends) is the time you spend doing things you really enjoy. It’s the fun stuff – playing guitar, hanging out with friends, or watching a good movie. The cool thing is, the better you use your idle time, the more me time you’ll have later.
Think of idle time as the moments you can use to clear your to-do list. Me time is the reward for making good use of it. Lol 😎
Remember to keep your me time separate from work time, whenever possible! You earned it!, and life is short, so don't work it all away!
How To Turn Idle Time Into Me Time
Here’s the secret: You don’t need to wait until you’re at home to get things done. With a smartphone and some cool apps, you can start tackling your to-do list while you’re on the go.
Here’s how I make it happen:
Using Mobile Apps To Create Content
Here's an example that illustrates the process.
As a guitar player and content creator, I’m always thinking of ways to share ideas with others. One of my favorite ways to use idle time is by making Pinterest content on my iPhone with the OpenAI app.
When I’m waiting somewhere or riding as a passenger in my wife's car, I use a custom GPT in my OpenAI smartphone app to come up with five Pinterest pin images, titles, descriptions, and hashtags.
For example, I’ll open my "Guitar Art" custom GPT, which creates five images with imaginative backgrounds. Each pin features one of the following: an electric guitar, an acoustic guitar, a guitar amplifier, a guitar paired with a guitar amp, and an effects stomp box.
For each pin, the GPT gives me an options selection list to choose from. For example - for the electric guitar pin I can choose a Fender Stratocaster, a Gibson Les Paul, a Paul Reed Smith guitar, etc. After I make my selection, the GPT generates everything I need for that pin.
I've generated five pins while my wife is in the bathroom at a restaurant. Lol 😂
When I get home, I tweak the content and post it to Pinterest. The more time I spend working outside my home, the more freedom it gives me to do the things I love!
Organizing Ideas With AI
AI isn’t just good for creating content. It’s also great for setting the stage for projects to come later. Here are some examples:
- Creating blog outlines. I type something simple into the OpenAI app, like "Write a blog outline about guitar practice tips," and I get a solid starting point.
- Brainstorming with AI to take a new idea to the next level. It’s like having a little assistant in my pocket while you're out and about!
Learning Something New
Idle time is also a great chance to learn. With my phone, I can:
- Learn something related to online marketing.
- Watch short guitar videos on YouTube.
- Listen to podcasts about my favorite bands.
- Write down ideas for guitar riffs in a notes app
These small steps add up and often lead to big breakthroughs when I’m back home with my laptop or guitar.
How To Get Started
Using idle time well isn’t just about having the right apps – it’s about having the right attitude. Here are some tips to make it work:
- Set Small Goals: Decide what you want to get done. Maybe it’s coming up with three blog ideas or learning a quick music tip.
- Stay Organized: Use mobile apps like Notion or Trello to keep track of tasks. This way, you know what to work on next and what you've done already.
- Use Every Minute: Even five minutes here and there can make a difference. Little wins can add up to big results!
So next time you’re stuck waiting, grab your phone and make it count. You’ll thank yourself later!
Tell Me What You Think!
Are you using your mobile phone to maximize the productivity of your idle time?
What method works best for you?
Let me know in the comments, AND ...
Keep On Rockin' It! 🤘
(Pin by DALL-E 3)
Frank 🎸
~ 85% human-written content.
Recent Comments
46
Good morning Frank,
Thank you for your blog post, as always, it's appreciated.
85% human written content or 80%, Frank; I can spot those little AI isms!!😁
First of all, Frank, I think you ought to sign up for another year on the Wealthy Affiliate, as you have much to bring to the table! But I do appreciate you have to do what is right for you. I think it would be a bit of fun having your guitar website and documenting what you are doing on the platform, etc!
I believe that one of the reasons you have been so successful, Frank, is the fact that you have used your time very wisely. This is so important! I also believe that you quickly understand the technical stuff when it comes to an online business, which is great.
Don't forget that if you do leave, you can still come back at any time!
Have a fantastic day and keep on rocking!🎸🎸
Roy
Hi Roy
Ok, perhaps ~80% human-written content. That's why I always use ~ (the mathematical symbol for approximately) in front of the percentage number. Lol 😎
A few years ago, I thought about launching a website about how to make money online with music. I doubt that many of the musicians who read articles on my guitar site would be too interested in putting in the effort it takes to make an income with online marketing. We guitar players tend to be a bit on the lazy side. Haha 🤣
I always appreciate all the confidence you have in me, Roy! 🙏
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
Good morning Frank,
I have just learned something, I didn't know the symbol ~ was mathematical, it's something I never use! It's good to have fun banter with you!
That's a difficult one, Frank, I do know exactly where you're coming from, as so many guitar players just breathe guitars; nothing else really matters apart from the guitar!! It would have been interesting to see, though; maybe it would have been one of those ideas that would have surprised everyone!
It's always a pleasure chatting with you on the platform, Frank; I'm thankful for the many pleasant conversations that we have had.
Wishing you all the best.
Roy
Hi Roy
Yes, I've had a wonderful time chatting with you and all the WA members!
This is indeed a special place. 😎
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
Good morning Frank,
It's so good to chat with like-minded people, Frank, as I believe that most people have something to bring to the table.
I agree with you; it's fairly unique and I admire how friendly the platform is; I'm sure Kyle and the team put a lot of effort into keeping it this way.
A very happy Wednesday to you.
Roy
I haven't heard that said lately, Frank; it reminds me of Jeff!
It's rather grey here in the UK at the moment, which is very typical of the time of year. I always look forward to 21st December, which is the shortest day; although the weather can potentially get colder, it is wonderful to see the days getting longer and plants and bulbs showing signs of spring!
Have a fantastic day.
Roy
Hey Frank!
Well, I have my moments of being a day dreamer, but usually I try to do something productive rather than wait around doing nothing.
If I'm sitting on break at work or waiting in the car for my son or hubby, I usually check in with some of the FB groups that I've joined that are related to my niches, or sometimes check emails, Pinterest, etc. depending on what I'm working on.
And Whaaat! You're leaving us next month!? Did I read that? You'll be greatly missed here!
Of course, I do see what you mean though...it's definitely good to enjoy the golden years and do the things that are fun while it's still a fun time doing them! I know there's some things I used to enjoy, like skiing, that I don't know if I'd enjoy doing so much now...the last time I went I felt like I had a workout just getting all my stuff on and dragging the skis out.
Hopefully, you'll be able to pry yourself from your guitars for a bit to pop in now and then or keep in touch somehow with us after you retire. 😁 But, of course, have fun rockin' 🎸as much as you want though! And, anything else you enjoy as well!
Wishing you the best in the month ahead here and in your retirement!
And, as always, rock on! 🎸😎
Best wishes :) ~Sherry
Hi Sherry
Thanks so much for the well wishes! 🙏
Yeah, I intend to make the most of my retirement. I've seen too many people "work it away." Luckily, I have the financial resources to have a good one.
Remember to play your guitar every day! 🎶
I'll leave a link on my WA profile with contact info. Let's keep in touch! 😎
Keep On Rockin' It! 🤘
Frank 🎸
Hi Frank
Great to hear you'll be enjoying retirement! Yes, I agree there are way too many working away when they should be enjoying life.
Yup, I'll certainly try as much as possible to play every day! 🎸
Yes, that'd be awesome of you to add some contact info on your profile. It'd be great to keep in touch and hear how you're doing.
Keep on rockin' too!
Best wishes :) ~Sherry 🎸😎
Hi Sherry
When the day is coming to an end, and you haven't practiced yet, I want you to think of me saying, "Sherry, play your guitar!" Lol 😆 🤘🎶
All the Best! 😃
Frank 🎸
Hi Frank,
LOL, I sure will! Actually on days when I have no other excuse except I feel too lazy to get everything out to play, I already do think...but, Frank says I should play every day...that usually works to get me busy playing.
Haha, now I'll hear, "Sherry, play your guitar!" 😎 Any suggestions on a good pair of headphones? 🤣 I never know how late I might be up once I get started. 😁🎸🤘🎶
Best wishes :) ~Sherry 😃
Hi Sherry
I use these headphones and they sound great for guitar amp output.
https://a.co/d/0P8Nj6u
(Non affiliate link)
I can’t use wireless headphones because even the best ones have an acoustic latency that can throw off my timing if I play too fast. 😎
Frank 🤘🎸
Hi Frank,
Awesome! I'll have to check those out!
I've never tried wireless ones with the guitar...very good to know about that issue happening. That'd be very annoying, not to mention distracting!
Thanks for the info! How did I know you'd have a great suggestion...went to take a peek and they look like they'd be perfect! You should do a review on them if you haven't yet. 😉 😁🎧
Keep on rockin'!🎸😎
Best wishes ~Sherry 😊
You're welcome, Sherry. 😎
Any set of wired headphones will work fine for a guitar amp, but I also use those headphones with my digital recording studio when I want to hear the stereo separation of effects like delay, chorus, etc., with wet on one side vs. dry on the other for certain tracks.
Frank 🤘🎸
I'm much more of a day dreamer than anything else but I do know how to spend my me time whenever I get the chance or when I'm alone. :)
Myra ♥️
Hi Frank
At this point in my life there isn't much idle time, but I do make time for me or us, to keep things balanced. For years I've tried to keep a healthy balance between work, play and even rest every once in a while. Unfortunately I have a tendency to lean more towards work than anything, but I still manage to have my fun.
Now....more importantly, I can't believe you're leaving us?! Did I read that correctly? No more guitar pins? No more music talk?
But seriously, I wish you nothing but the best and hope you would stop in occasionally to say Hi. Either way, let's enjoy this final month!!
Cheers to you and retirement, my friend!! 🥂🥂
And always...Keep On Rockin!! 🤘😎🎸
Tim 🎼
Thanks, Tim! 🙏
Yeah, I'll be minimizing my computer time as much as possible, but I'll have even more time to play music and do all the other things my wife and I enjoy!
Our golden years don't remain golden forever, so there comes a point where we have to take total advantage of them. I thank God each day that I'm so healthy at 70 years old, and I hope that continues for at least another thirty years - I have lots of guitars that need playing! Lol 😂
I'll leave a way to contact me on my profile page.
It's been such a pleasure talking music with you, Tim! 😎😎 🎶
Rock the Weekend, buddy! 🤘🥳
Frank 🎸
I know what you mean about the golden years having an expiration date on them. But until then, we can still Rock! 🤘
Enjoy your time with the wife, family and friends and above all else.....Play Those Guitars!!! 🤣🤣
I've really enjoyed all of the music talks as well. It's not every day that you meet someone with similar musical interests in addition to the passion for it. 🎸🎶
Keep Rockin!! 🤘😎🎸
Tim 🎼
Yeah, as a physician, I'm totally aware of how important it is to take advantage of our golden years. We have to enjoy our time on this planet whenever possible! Lol 👍😎
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
See more comments
For me, the difference between *idle time* and *me time* comes down to intention and awareness.
**Idle time** is when I’m doing *nothing* in particular—just kind of zoning out. Maybe I’m staring out the window, scrolling mindlessly on my phone. It’s unstructured, and half the time I don’t even realize I’m doing it until I snap out of it. It’s like I’ve hit a mental “pause” button, and time just slips away. Honestly, it’s pretty passive, and afterward, I usually feel like I just *lost* time.
**Me time**, though, is totally different. It’s time I intentionally set aside for *myself*. I could be reading a book, taking a walk, writing in my journal, or even just lying down doing absolutely nothing—but the key is, I know I’m doing it for me. It’s purposeful. When I choose to take that time, it feels like a chance to recharge or do something that matters to me. Even if it’s just a few minutes, I usually come out of it feeling refreshed, like I actually took care of myself.
So for me, it’s simple:
Idle time** happens *to* me.
Me time** is something I *choose*.
Both have their moments, but when I make time for *me*, I feel so much more fulfilled.
I hope you have a wonderful retirement filled with music and joy Frank, you will be missed.
Hi Catherine
Thanks so much for your well wishes! 🙏
I'll miss you, too, and wish you all the best and good health as you continue your excellent travel adventures around the world! 😎
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
Thank you, and I wish you the best in the next chapters. Nothing lasts forever