Shortcuts or Lifelong Learning?
Sometimes, I think I have a problem! My mind is a curious place. If I feel like there should be a more efficient way to do something, my focus turns completely to figuring that out, even if I spend more time trying to figure out the shortcut! Is that beneficial since I’ve just “wasted” all the time on the research? In my mind, the answer is YES!
In my first “real” job out of college, I was tasked with deleting the duplicate companies located in two different Excel spreadsheets so I could prepare a mailing. One of the spreadsheets had the most recent addresses for the companies and the other was an older list. Do you know an efficient way to accomplish this task? Let me share the real-world examples of what I’ve seen done:
Look through each list manually (either on the computer or printed out) and manually delete the duplicates.
Combine both spreadsheets into one and then use the duplicate formula in Excel to identify the matches. However, you would need to know which one is the newer record, so you’re still spending time “eyeballing it.”
Print out both electronic spreadsheets on paper, handwrite all the names AND addresses on envelopes, then put the envelopes in alphabetical order by company name. Manually go through the envelopes and throw away the ones that are duplicates. (I am NOT exaggerating any part of this! In 2013, I witnessed a non-profit organization do this with their invite list for a fundraiser. How much money was spent on envelopes literally thrown away? And I’m not even accounting for the staff or volunteer time.
All of these examples are viable options (I argue the final one isn’t the most cost effective), but in the age of computers helping us in different ways, I had a feeling there were better options. THANKFULLY, a coworker taught me a formula for comparing information contained in two different excel spreadsheets and in a matter of seconds, I can remove duplicates and then go on to use the information however it is needed. I cannot even begin to estimate how many hours this has saved me over the last 20 years. I use it for everything from comparing attendance records to membership lists, registration lists from different events and emails from multiple databases.
I’ve found that if I spend a few extra minutes researching how to do something that I suspect might have a faster process, I can continue to use that knowledge as I move forward in all areas. It contributes to me claiming the identity of a lifelong learner. I want to use my curiosity for good and share that with others. In what areas do you focus on learning new things? I have a feeling that if you are coaching others, you’re constantly exploring new ways to lead others. If you need some inspiration, I encourage you to read this article from my friend, Vicki.
Just for fun, here are a few keyboard shortcuts that might help my fellow Windows users. Make sure you hold the Windows or Ctrl key while you press the corresponding letter.
Ctrl “s” to save the file you’re working on
Ctrl “w” to close the window you’re currently on
Windows “e” to open File Explorer to navigate to your files
Windows “d” to show the desktop (then you can press it again to bring all your windows back up)
And for our Mac user friends, many of the Ctrl shortcuts work using the command button.
What shortcuts do you use that could help us? Will you share some of them in the comments or email me with some of your favorites?