Tip 25

Shortcuts

Mouse clicks are to a productive person what body hair is to an Olympic swimmer—precious seconds that can be shaved off. Opening menus and selecting commands might not seem like a big deal, but it can add up to several moments wasted every time you use them.

To speed things up, get into the habit of using keyboard shortcuts. Every piece of software you use comes with them, and most are easy to remember, like Ctrl + S to save, and Ctrl + Z to undo.

Here are a few guidelines to get you started:

• Make a list. Think of the programs you use most often, along with the commands within them. Once you’ve identified ten or twenty things you do frequently, find the appropriate shortcut on the web or in your manual. Alternatively, you could hire an expert or consultant who can show you a number of shortcuts in a few hours’ time.

• Keep them close. In the beginning, you will want to keep a chart or some sticky notes with the shortcuts you use most. Over time, they’ll become second nature and you won’t need the reminders anymore.

Remember, learning shortcuts might seem to slow you down for the first few days, but by mastering them you can save yourself minutes each week, and hours every month.

The average person today (1999) receives more information on a daily basis than the average person received in a lifetime in 1900. —Productivity Institute