How To Get Faster at Doing Things

And Maximize Your Daily Input

Here’s my personal and proven approach on how to get faster on doing things in a digital era.

In no particular order, here we go:

• If something crosses your mind while you are working or studying, especially a negative bugging piece of thought, just make a quick note of that something and record it in a notebook. Just get it out of your system!
• Install Papier (Chrome) or Board (Firefox) — if you want your note-taking to be digital. You can also do a brain dump on Google Keep or Evernote.
• Experiment with the 30 + 5 method — sprint hard for 30 minutes (like writing this Medium post) and then take a 5-minute break (go to the bathroom, brush your teeth, do a stretch, drink water, read an article, do 10 push-ups, clean your desk etc.)
• Learn to scan read — titles, intros & outros, summaries, blurbs etc. so that you can decide if it warrants a full read
• Learn keyboard shortcuts both for your computer (Mac/Windows/Linux) and browser (Chrome, Firefox)
• Learn to type faster — double your typing speed, double your output. Assuming you are typing the right stuff. (via Noah Kagan)
• Make your PC/Mac machine as fast as possible so there is no dead time waiting for things to load
• Install Chrome/Firefox plugins: Pocket, LastPass, Pablo, AdBlock, Tab Scissors, Sexy Undo Close, Buffer, YSlow, Clipboard History, OneTab, Awesome Screenshot
• Bookmark your main websites and remove their names
• Make use of sharing functions and shortcuts when using Outlook, Google Docs, Google Spreadsheets, Dropbox, Google Drive
• Install Alfred (Mac) or Launchy (Windows). Tweak them up!
• Speed up your mouse/touchpad
• Use a Pomodoro Timer. I have mine as a Chrome extension.
• Automate some parts of your writing process. Use TextExpander for MAC or TextExpander for Windows.
• Templetize email responses. One of my folder contains email templates for different scenarios.
• Always single task! Remember: the conscious mind has a processing capacity of 120 bits per second. It’s hard for us to understand two people talking at the same time. Don’t get cocky.
• Use automation software such as IFTT and Buffer (for Social Media)
• Always ask this question: What would this look like if it were easy? (borrowed from Tim Ferriss)
• Give yourself 5 minutes to do a morning e-mail check, if you really have to. Do it fast.
• Schedule everything so you won’t forget it. Adjust along the way.
• Create a pattern with your Pomodoros. Start small with a cycle of 2–3 Pomodoros followed by a 10– 15-minute break
• Use gamification for daily value-adding tasks — e.g. 1000 written words gets you X reward. Switch the rewards.

Environmental design

• Have a distraction-free office/desk.
• Keep an organized junk drawer for keys, duct tape, lantern, batteries etc.
• Have some sort of a stress ball. Play with it in your Pomodoro break. Ideas Doctor Gregory House has one too!
• Work without your laptop charger as it will make you get things done quicker.
• Invest in a big screen monitor. It’s easier to split your screen when needed.
• Use music to get yourself in the zone. I prefer something without lyrics like the classics or some chillstep mixes. Here’s one I like.
• Jog everywhere you go. Stop walking.
• Take a fast cold shower. I prefer doing it in the morning. It can also be a huge reset button for your afternoon!
• Set an alarm clock.
• Go to bed at the same time every night.
• Wake up at the same time every morning. Try getting to sleep at the same time.
• Get up at your fixed time the next morning even if you have to stay late at night — the consistency of your cycles is more important than the amount of sleep.
• Sleep in a cool, dark room. Preferably somewhere around 19 degrees Celsius.
• Cover your windows to keep out the light.
• Stretch in the morning.

Drink (and eat) up!

• Green tea
• Black coffee
• Mushroom coffee
• Camomile tea (if you feel the need to calm your nerves)
• Dark chocolate
• Experiment with intermittent fasting. This is not only for the health benefits but for the time you are going to save as well!

Conclusion

Things will add up. A minute here. An hour there. You will adjust.A good night sleep can lead to a good waking up experience which can lead to a calm mindset which can lead to a good workout which can lead to a good and productive work day which can lead to a good day which can lead to a happy life.