The concept of timing yourself while completing tasks can significantly transform your productivity levels. By setting time limits, you introduce a sense of urgency that compels you to focus and minimize distractions. This method, often referred to as timeboxing, involves allocating a fixed, uninterrupted period to work on a specific task. The pressure of the ticking clock serves as a motivational force, driving you to complete the task more efficiently than you might under open-ended conditions.

Implementing self-imposed deadlines is a strategy that brings structure and discipline to your workday. Even when these deadlines are known only to you, they create a psychological impetus that enhances your commitment to the task at hand. This approach not only improves your time management skills but also helps in breaking down larger, more daunting tasks into more manageable segments, thereby reducing procrastination and increasing your sense of achievement.

Moreover, embracing shortcuts, especially in frequently used programs like Excel, email, and other productivity tools, can shave off significant amounts of time from your daily tasks. These minutes saved add up over time, potentially reclaiming entire days worth of productivity over the span of your career. Learning and utilizing these shortcuts is an investment in your efficiency, enabling you to accomplish more with less effort.

In conclusion, timing yourself and setting specific limits for your tasks can revolutionize the way you work. This practice fosters a proactive, goal-oriented mindset, turning time into your ally rather than your adversary. By combining the principles of timed tasks with the efficiency of shortcuts, you position yourself for a more productive, satisfying, and successful career. Remember, in the realm of productivity, every second counts.