Productivity Training
Productivity training is a combination of specially curated tools & tricks for every individual who wishes to perform better and to make the optimal utilisation of their laptop/system’s capability. The training explores different tools & shortcuts that are freely available in the Windows operating system.
Disclaimer: This article summarises a productivity training that I delivered on-site (physical) sessions and the purpose of this article is to serve my portfolio. This isn’t an actual training article.
The Story Behind Productivity Training
Great Britain’s cycling team, with a single medal in the past century, saw a transformative shift in 2003 under Dave Brailsford. Implementing incremental 1% improvements in every aspect, they secured seven consecutive medals in subsequent Olympic games.
Taking inspiration from this story, I curated a list of tools & tricks that can be applied by any computer-based professional, directly making a significant impact on their daily productivity.
I created 3 training sessions, each for 2 hours so that by the end of the session, the user shall be able to be 1 per cent better in every area of work that he/she does daily.
Tools & Tricks
Here are the tools that were discussed in detail during the session and their short description.
Tool 1: AutoHotKey
AutoHotkey is a powerful scripting language for Windows automation, allowing users to create custom scripts and macros to automate repetitive tasks, remap keys, and create complex shortcuts for increased productivity.
With the utilization of free Gen AI tools such as chat-gpt & google Gemini, generating coding scripts is as easy as describing your problem statement to a human. Along with this, writing an Autohotkey script manually is a matter of learning approximately 10 lines of code for 90% of automation needs.
Therefore, during the session, I explain, in detail, how to use Gen AI tools and share a few lines of code that can be easily altered per user's needs.
Practical use of AutoHotKey: Create automation and create custom shortcuts.
Tool 2: Power Toys
PowerToys is a set of utilities for Windows that enhances user productivity. Developed by Microsoft, it provides tools like FancyZones for window management and keyboard shortcuts, offering additional functionalities beyond standard system features.
Practical use of Power Toys: Copy text from PDF files, freeze windows, open preview of images and open any file/app/folder from anywhere.
Tool 3: Microsoft To Do’s
Microsoft To-Do is a task management app for efficient prioritisation of work. It offers customizable lists, reminders, and Microsoft 365 integration. With a user-friendly interface, it aids productivity by facilitating easy task management and collaboration.
Practical use of Microsoft Todos: Schedule reminders, plan your day, and collaborate on tasks with colleagues.
Tool 4: Task Scheduler
Task Scheduler is a Microsoft tool to open apps, folders, or files as per the scheduled time. For instance, if I have to work on my Excel file “todolist.xlsx” every day in the morning at 9:00 AM, it will automatically open the file for me. Similarly, we can schedule multiple apps and folders.
Practical use of the Task Scheduler: Schedule any app, file, or folder to open at a specific time of the day.
Practical use of the Task Scheduler: Schedule any app, file, or folder to open at a specific time of the day.
Shortcuts: Windows Shortcuts.
Apps on startup (Shell: startup) and setting apps>startup.
Difference between restart and start.
Delete Temp files by asking IT (Information Technology) staff on a free day.
Outlook Settings > Options > General > Always restore the previous Items.
Training Direct Benefits
- Increased productivity: Training optimises workflows and processes, enhancing time management skills for heightened efficiency.
- Reduce efforts: Through skill development and process streamlining, training minimises unnecessary workloads, improving overall task execution.
Training’s Indirect Benefit
- Raises curiosity: Encourages a mindset of continuous learning, sparking interest in artificial intelligence and promoting knowledge exploration.
- New skills: Provides individuals with diverse capabilities, expanding their skill set and contributing to a more versatile and adaptable workforce.
Thank you for reading.
