The Efficiency Mindset: Lessons from a 12-Minute Uber Ride
Small Tweaks, Big Impact: Insights from a Cab Ride
It was a bright afternoon in Las Vegas when I hopped into an Uber, expecting nothing more than a routine ride to my destination. Instead, I found myself in the company of a driver whose approach to life—and work—reiterated my understanding of efficiency.
From the moment I stepped into her car, something was different. The dashboard was tidy, and a tablet was mounted behind the driver’s seat, flashing games and ads for passengers. Curious, I struck up a conversation.
"That’s an interesting setup," I remarked, gesturing toward the tablet.
She grinned in the rearview mirror. "Oh, that? It’s from a program called playoctopus.com. Passengers can play games, see ads, and if they interact, I earn points—sometimes even cash. It adds up to about $100 extra a month. Plus, there’s a digital tip box—makes it easy for people to show appreciation."
Impressed, I asked about her car, an electric vehicle. She dove into the details. "The manufacturer claims a range of 275 miles per charge, but I consistently get about 300."
I raised an eyebrow. "How do you manage that?"
She leaned in, her eyes sparkling with pride. "Battery hacks. Little things—like optimizing charging habits, managing the climate control and using factory resets. Most people dont realize, but I’ve found settings that keep the car comfortable and save battery. I learned it all from the manual—something 95% of owners never bother to read. Those extra 25 miles a day? Over a year, that’s a huge difference."
Numbers rolled off her tongue effortlessly. She explained how every small tweak—whether it was maximizing her car’s efficiency or finding new ways to earn during rides—added up over time. It wasn’t just about making more money; efficiency was a philosophy that touched every aspect of her life.
As the ride drew to a close, I realized I’d received more than just a lift across town. In just twelve minutes, she’d demonstrated how an efficiency mindset in one area naturally spills over into others. Tiny optimizations, when practiced consistently, compound into significant results—whether in business, personal finance, or even a simple cab ride.