Unleashing Productivity: How This Full Screen Keyboard Shortcut Transformed My Workflow

Having utilized a full-screen keyboard shortcut for about a year now, I’ve noticed a remarkable boost in my efficiency. Here are the key reasons why I strongly advocate for you to implement this as well.

Utilizing the Full-Screen Keyboard Shortcut

This handy shortcut is accessible on both macOS and Windows, though the steps vary slightly between the two. On macOS, simply press Command + Control + F.

If you are using a Windows (or Linux) operating system, you can activate it by pressing either Fn + 11 or the F11 key directly. This is just one of many useful keyboard shortcuts for Windows.

1. Enhanced Single-Task Concentration

In the past, I was an avid multitasker, but I grew frustrated by my lack of progress. To combat this, I began focusing on one task at a time. However, the sheer volume of on-screen content often proved to be distracting.

By employing a full-screen shortcut, I’ve found it much easier to concentrate on a single job. Any additional tabs or bookmarks in my browser go unnoticed unless I deliberately hover over them, which helps me avoid unnecessary clicks on irrelevant distractions.

2. Increased Workspace for Tasks

As I frequently craft my articles using Google Docs, I sometimes feel constrained by the screen space available outside of full-screen mode. This limitation can extend the time it takes to produce content.

Activating full-screen mode provides a larger workspace, which alleviates some of my writer’s block challenges. With more room to write, I can complete more articles in less time or even finish my day earlier, making it a fantastic complement to the array of free tools for freelancers.

3. Reduced Application Switching

Apart from avoiding the need to access apps for files that can wait, another significant advantage of using full-screen keyboard shortcuts is my decreased tendency to switch between applications. I keep my Dock concealed, necessitating that I close windows to navigate to other programs, which enhances my workflow on Mac.

Though I strive to keep programs minimized while working, sometimes I might open them unintentionally. Before I know it, I could be caught up in irrelevant discussions that don’t require my immediate focus. While I’m still a work in progress, leveraging full-screen mode significantly helps me resist such distractions.

Instead of toggling through apps, I can more effectively refocus my attention on my current task during moments when my concentration wavers. Once I pause to gather my thoughts, my ideas tend to flow much more smoothly than before.

4. Speedy Recovery from Distractions

I still find myself opening new tabs and browsing unrelated websites (although I do use certain extensions to block some sites).

Nonetheless, the key difference now is that I typically return to my main objective much more quickly than in the past. Where it once took me at least 10 minutes to realize I was sidetracked, I now manage to refocus within five minutes.

In addition to utilizing full-screen keyboard shortcuts, I recommend integrating productivity extensions in Chrome to enhance your task efficiency.

My Main Grievance with the Full-Screen Keyboard Shortcut

If I could change one aspect of this shortcut, it would involve eliminating the issue of my browser tabs appearing when I hover near the top. It’s frustratingly easy to accidentally position my cursor too far upwards, revealing tabs and bookmarks—especially troublesome in Google Chrome.

I’d be more than willing to swap the toolbar at the top for a different layout that allows tab visibility, though I’m uncertain how feasible that would be in reality.

On the plus side, hovering my cursor over the bottom of the screen doesn’t trigger any app displays, which helps maintain my focus.

While not a magical solution for productivity, the full-screen keyboard shortcut has undeniably made me more efficient and satisfied. It has simplified my focus process, and if I do become distracted, returning to my work is now much easier. Moreover, employing ChatGPT prompts for productivity and utilizing other beneficial tools can further elevate your output.

Image credit: Unsplash. All screenshots by Danny Maiorca.

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