Sometimes we mindlessly do things the same way over and over without giving much thought to the process or time it takes. We do it because we've always done it this way. This thought can be applied to how we access files on our computer.

If you have a file folder or document you access on a pretty regular basis, then consider building a shortcut to it on your desktop. It's kind of like sitting items out on your desk so they're within arm's reach at all times. Except they're icons sitting on your computer screen.

Avoiding the over processing of opening a frequently-used document cuts down on the Lean Office Waste of Over Processing and helps you become more efficient and productive.

You can watch a short video, "Creating Desktop Shortcuts" and learn how easy it is to create shortcuts to your desktop.

Productivity Pointer: Creating Desktop Shortcuts

For more on the topic of the Waste of Over Processing, read  

Email - once heralded as an amazing, innovative tool is now frequently cursed and dreaded. Yes, the love affair with this communication tool is over. If you're looking to capture lost hours in your day, take a closer look at your email habits. Here are three pieces of data that may motivate you to begin making change.

• The average information worker--basically anyone at a desk--loses 2.1 hours of productivity every day to interruptions and distractions, according to Basex, an IT research and consulting firm.  

• Computer chip giant Intel has estimated that e-mail overload can cost large companies as much as $1 billion a year in lost employee productivity.

• Each day a typical office employee checks e-mail 50 times according to RescueTime, a firm that develops time-management software.

© Audrey Thomas