Do you use the computer? Of course you do, how else would you be reading this? Now, think about how much time you spend on the computer, both at work and at home. What if I told you that a simple tip could cut that time in half while boosting your fun?
Imagine the causal user, sitting in front of the computer with the mouse in one hand and a coffee in the other. Then imagine the same individual, but instead of the hand gripping the coffee, it is resting on the keyboard. Now this person is poised and ready to become a power user. And that’s the key. The key is the keyboard!

Power users take full advantage of keyboard shortcuts. This makes them more efficient at getting through their tasks on the computer. They can use the time saved to dedicate to their direct reports or for catching up with clients. They also benefit from not being bogged down with computer processes and losing focus from the task. The computer then becomes faster, easier, and more enjoyable to use. Less in the way and more right away!
Let’s do an experiment. Using your web browser, go to the following website in a new tab using only your mouse and copying/pasting the web address (not using bookmarks or favorite links):

www.kenblanchard.com

Done? Ok. Now, let’s go to the same website, but using the keyboard. Here are the instructions (read them first before performing them):

1. Highlight the web address above with your mouse
2. Hold down the CTRL (PC) or Command (Mac) button on your keyboard
3. Hit the following letters: c, t, v
4. Let go of the CTRL (PC) or Command (Mac) button
5. Hit the ENTER button on your keyboard

Which was faster? Hopefully the keyboard shortcuts were (hence the term shortcuts)! There are a tremendous amount of things we do on the computer on a daily basis that can be done with keyboard shortcuts, and shaving off a few seconds here or a minute there can really add up to huge time savings!
To start, I would recommend memorizing ALT+TAB, which allows you to switch to your last open application window. Here is a video of this shortcut in action. Now, you can keep your focus on the center of the screen and not have to hunt down the application icon at the bottom!
I find it most effective to learn one shortcut a week and to use it as much as possible during that week. And hand positioning is important as well. Here are some common ways I’ve seen right-handed people hit shortcuts with their left hand:

Of course, you don’t have to start with ALT+TAB! Look up shortcuts for any actions or functions that you do often that you’d like to perform quickly, like sending the email you’re writing in Outlook (ALT+S) or bolding a word (CTRL+B). Once they become ingrained, you may find yourself zipping along, having more spare time, and loving computing so much more.
If you have any trouble finding a particular shortcut or need any additional help, post in the comments below. Happy shortcutting!