When I am faced with a repetitive task, especially one on a computer screen that requires a seemingly endless sequence of multiple clicks of the mouse, I get a sense of satisfaction when I can figure out a more efficient way of getting to the same result. Sometimes that means using a different program, or approaching the problem from a different angle. Sometimes it involves some basic coding or patching together a bunch of things Google has allowed me to find so that things can happen automagically.
Automagically [aw-tuh–maj-ik-lee]
adverb,informal
- (especially in relation to the operation of a computer process) automatically, in a way that is hidden from or not understood by the user, and that seems ingenious, inexplicable, or magical.
Origin
1940s: blend of automatically and magically.
Here’s an example of how I was able to pull a few things together and save my wife some time every week. Instead of manually sending reminder emails (usually 3 to 6 a week), the emails are now sent automagically using Google Sheets and a Google AppScript set to run on a weekly trigger.
This example is very specific, but I have always found that it is easier to teach with a concrete example. This example can easily be adapted to suit your own needs.
This first video walks you through how to set up your Google Sheet
The script file can be found here -> Automagic Reminder Script
the same can be found with a little more detail here ->https://michelgarsenault.ca/automagicscript
If you would prefer to simply use the template you can make a copy of this Template
-> http://bit.ly/AutomagicTemplate2018
and follow along with this video