Over the years, I’ve picked up a few skills to speed things up at work.
Here’s my list and hopefully it saves you some time too!
1. Sharpen Your Skills ⌨️
• Learn how to type faster. Min 60 wpm. Speed typing is a superpower.
• Get good at Excel (especially if you deal with lots of data).
• Learn keyboard shortcuts for the tools you use most. Those seconds add up!
• Practice clear and concise writing. It reduced back-and-forth later.
2. Leverage the Right Tools ⚒️
• Invest in paid software that really helps you. Free is good, but sometimes the right tool pays for itself in time saved.
• Use AI (like ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, Claude etc.) to draft, summarise or brainstorm. But don’t copy bulat2. Edit and personalise to stay authentic.
• Automate repetitive tasks where possible (email filters, template responses, scheduling apps).
3. Build Smart Habits 😎
• Follow the 2-minute rule. If something takes less than 2 minutes , do it immediately.
• Time block for deep work and protect it. Hide from public if necessary.
• Stay resourceful. Know who to call for help instead of wasting hours figuring everything out alone.
• Batch similar tasks together. For eg. reply to emails at one go instead of checking every 5 minutes.
4. Optimise Your Environment 📂
• A clean desk = a clear mind. Keep water nearby to stay hydrated.
• Keep your phone aside. It’s the biggest productivity killer.
• Organise your digital space. Colour-code emails, set bookmarks, create quick-access folders.
5. Bonus Tips I Swear By ✊
• Review your to-do list the night before, so you’ll start the next day with clarity.
• Don’t chase for perfection for every task. Sometimes “done” is better than “perfect.”
• Learn to say no to low-value tasks politely, so you can focus on what matters most.
What else did I miss? 💬👇
