For decades, productive people have used their drive time as an opportunity to learn. Long commutes became classrooms on wheels, with books on tape, podcasts, and audio courses turning what could have been wasted time into a chance for self-improvement. It was an innovative way to educate oneself while doing something otherwise mundane.
But now, with advancements in AI technology like ChatGPT, we’ve reached a new frontier. Drive time no longer has to be limited to learning time—it can now also be teaching time.
Turning Your Thoughts into Content
With AI tools that transcribe and organize thoughts, drive time can become a valuable opportunity to create. Imagine dictating your ideas for an article, brainstorming a new course, or outlining a book—all while you’re driving. AI can capture your thoughts, clean up the rough edges, and provide a polished starting point for your content.
For example, you can say, “Write an article about using drive time productively,” or “Help me draft a webinar on leadership skills,” and let your thoughts flow. Even if your ideas are scattered or incomplete, AI can make sense of them, organizing and refining them into something usable.
From Passive to Active Engagement
This shift from passive learning to active teaching makes drive time even more productive. Instead of simply consuming information, you’re creating it. And the process of articulating your thoughts can help clarify your ideas and deepen your understanding of the subject.
Interestingly, actively engaging your mind in this way can also make time seem to pass more quickly. Dictating ideas or outlining content gives your brain a productive task, reducing the monotony of a long drive.
Staying Safe While Multitasking
Of course, safety is the top priority. If you’re using this method while driving, it’s essential to remain focused on the road. Use hands-free technology and keep your attention on driving. Many people find that multitasking in this way—talking aloud while driving—is no more distracting than having a conversation with a passenger.
Making the Most of Wasted Time
AI technology has transformed what we can accomplish in small pockets of time. In the past, drive time was an opportunity to absorb knowledge. Now, it can also be a chance to create, teach, and share your own knowledge.
So, whether you’re drafting a new course, brainstorming an article, or working through an idea, tools like ChatGPT allow you to use drive time in a way that maximizes productivity. It’s another reminder of how technology can help us make the most of our time—turning what was once idle into something meaningful.
Don’t just learn during your commute—teach, create, and innovate. Your drive time might just become the most productive part of your day.