There’s nothing like a time limit to spur you on to get more done. Setting yourself time limits on your tasks, and then timing yourself while doing them, will inject a sense of urgency. Even if the deadline is entirely self-imposed and nobody else knows about it, it will still have the effect of urging you on. And shortcuts (worth learning, for programs like Excel, email, etc.) can save minutes each day, adding up to entire days saved over a career.
Source: learn.filtered.com