I used to enjoy lunch at restaurants daily during the week.

It broke up the work day and allowed me to leave the office for a reset.

I often discussed business, so it didn't seem like a waste. Plus, I got to write off the meal.

But COVID changed that in 2020.

First, I started working from and eating lunch at home instead of the office.

My accountant reviewed our business expenses from the previous three years. My business partner and I were spending $1,000 per month on lunches.

That was $12,000 wasted per year due to this ridiculous habit.

We were also wasting time eating and driving. I estimate we were wasting 40 hours per month combined.

That's 12 weeks per year wasted!

Not a tiny waste. This was the leadership of the company. And it was the dumbest habit I ever developed as a business owner.

The bad habit ended in a single day.

I knew it had to stop once I saw the numbers.

Despite having an office lease for two more years, I continued to work from home after COVID.

I also started eating lunch at home. Prepped meals saved even more time. Combined, we gained 12 weeks and cut $12,000 in annual expenses.

The time savings will translate into millions over the next 3-5 years.

Looking back, it was absurd. I can't even recall how the habit developed.

You start doing something benign. Over time, it becomes a habit. You don't realize the damage it is doing. Then you wake up.

Check your routine. Look for waste throughout your day and week.

Break the bad habits.