Creating Sequence Hacks --> Keyboard shortcuts ^ 2

We all know the power of keyboard shortcuts. Ctrl+b to make text bold is a lot faster than using the mouse to press the "B for Bold" icon.

A couple of weeks ago a new concept dawned upon me. I coined it Sequence Hacks.

• A hack is this: Press ctrl+c to copy
• A (very short) Sequence Hack: Ctrl+c, ctrl+v

In other words, the premise is to complete entire sequences of work without touching the keyboard.

I thus sat down to create a sequence hack for turning on my computer and getting through my Outlook Inbox when arriving at work - all without touching my mouse.

And best of all? It feels like a game and I enter a state of flow.

Here's how to implement this sequence:

Step 1: Pin Outlook to taskbar. You can now always open with Windows key + number in the taskbar.

Step 2: In Outlook, add the unread mail filter to your quick access toolbar. You can now use this command with the sequential shortcut alt, "number in the Quick Access Toolbar". If it is in position number 1 you will press alt then 1.

Note: while you are modifying your quick access toolbar, add categorize as an option.

Step 3: Double-click open the oldest unread email and get into the flow described above.

Step 4: Hit ctrl+shift+r to reply all, write the reply, hit ctrl+enter to send the reply. If I need to do analysis before I can answer I categorize it (custom shortcut) and hit ctrl+shift+n to record a post-it note.

Step 5: Back in the double-click opened email from step 3, press ctrl+, (ctrl + comma) to read the next unread email. Repeat step 4.

Step 6: enter flow state and get through your Inbox Zero.

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Does it take some time to set up? Yes. Took me about 30 minutes mapping the exact steps and modifying my Quick Access Toolbar.

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