I Was Wasting Hours in Traffic — Then This App Changed Everything

Ever feel like your commute or spare moments are just wasted time? That's exactly how I felt — until I found a way to turn them into my most productive part of the day.

I used to spend my in-between idle time, especially long commutes, scrolling LinkedIn or Instagram, or skimming through articles I told myself I would catch up on "someday." I figured I could read them on a flight, but honestly, they just kept piling up.

But then I discovered Headway, and everything changed. I started turning idle moments into meaningful microlearning sessions instead of letting them just slip away. So now, those 15 minutes stuck in traffic, waiting between meetings, or unwinding at night feel like an investment in myself.

Here's how Headway changed my routine:

• Turned my commute into a learning habit with 15‑minute audio summaries.

• Helped me finish more books without feeling overwhelmed.

• Gave me practical insights I could apply at work immediately.

Turning wasted commute time into a daily learning habit

One evening, I was stuck in traffic in JLT, Dubai — inching home after a long day — and I thought, "There's got to be a better way to use this time." As I scrolled through my phone, I stumbled on Headway. It instantly felt like what I'd been searching for: an app that fit my lifestyle without requiring a full Sunday and a cup of tea.

That moment of frustration turned into something new: a habit. I didn’t need long weekends to get into personal growth books — I just needed a tool that fit into the way I live and work: busy, on the move, and often multitasking.

Soon, my commute became my most reliable learning window. Headway made it easy to transform wasted time in traffic into a habit I actually look forward to.

At first, what hooked me was simple: the feeling of finishing something. No 300-page commitments — just 15 minutes and I'd learned something new. As someone who thrives on "small wins," this was huge for me.

Finishing a summary felt like adding another piece to a puzzle. And then, I started noticing little places here and there where I could use what I had learned:

– In conversations, I threw out ideas that actually made people stop and think. 

– In my work, I used different angles I never considered before. And they worked!

– In my day-to-day thinking, everything just seemed more clear.

Quick insights that reset my mindset

Some days, after back-to-back calls, my brain feels fried. That's when Headway works like a reset button. It gives me a fresh perspective — sometimes even a cheeky quote I can drop into a client or candidate conversation and sound extra clever.

One summary that stuck with me was 'How to Talk to Anyone' by Leil Lowndes. The summary had such an impact on me that I ended up reading the book, and it's changed the way I approach deeper and even cross-cultural discussions. That's another thing I love about Headway: It's not just a quick fix; it's a starting point.

Most days, I listen to summaries during my commute, turning what used to be idle time into a private little productive session. But when I want to take notes or really dig into what's in a summary, I read it instead. Listening or reading, Headway is great for both.

How 15 minutes a day changed my approach to growth: Is Headway worth it?

Absolutely! And the summaries aren't the end. They introduce me to new authors and topics — psychology, leadership, even abstract ideas — and I usually find myself diving deeper.

Looking back, my perspective on personal growth has completely shifted. Headway has made learning easier and far less overwhelming. I've learned that growth doesn't require marathon reading sessions or endless to-do lists. It can start with small, intentional steps — 15 minutes at a time — that compound into something meaningful.

Headway turned my idle moments into learning opportunities. Now, my thinking is sharper, and I feel more confident in this better version of myself. What used to feel like wasted time now feels like one of the most rewarding parts of my day.

Editor's note: Make your commute the most productive time of day with Headway

If you've ever sat in traffic or on a long train ride wishing that time could be put to better use, you're not alone. That's exactly the problem Shriti solved with Headway. Instead of letting those spare moments slip away, she turned them into 15‑minute opportunities for growth, learning, exploring new ideas, and applying fresh insights at work the same day.

That's what makes Headway so powerful: it's learning designed for real life. Whether you're commuting, waiting between meetings, or unwinding at night, you can get actionable insights from the world's best books — in just 15 minutes a day.

Why not try it for yourself? Download Headway and turn your commute into the most productive part of your day.