Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

How To

How To Achieve Inbox Zero. It’s The Best Feeling.

email
email

“Inbox Zero” is said to be an idea that requires you to check your inbox often and regularly and answer, file, or delete emails so that, at the end of the day, there are no unread emails in your inbox. But in fact, the term Inbox Zero and the philosophy behind it were originally coined by Merlin Mann, the founder, and writer of 43 Folders, a blog about “finding the time and attention to do your best creative work.” Contrary to popular belief, “Zero” doesn’t refer to fanatically keeping your inbox empty at all times. Instead, it refers to “the amount of time an employee’s brain is in his inbox.”

Here are some core pillars of Mann’s original view of Inbox Zero:

  • Keep your email program closed for most of the day.
  • Follow the principle of ‘Delete, Delegate, Respond, Defer, or Do’ when processing mail.
  • Always respond immediately to messages that can be answered in two minutes or less (This is a rule borrowed from David Allen’s popular “Getting Things Done” (GTD) productivity philosophy).

5 takeaways for the inbox zero aspirer

  1. Close your mail program. Leaving your email application open at all times is a recipe for disaster. The pull of those little red dots is irresistible and will constantly distract you from other work that needs to get done. Only open your mail a few times per day, then make sure to close it again so you can focus on more important tasks.
  2. Set up mail filters. It pays to take a bit of time to create filters for recurring communication. Redirect newsletters to a “read” folder; mark emails addressed to you as more important than those on which you’re just CC’d; assign priority to specific senders. There are tons of other rules you can set up in a matter of minutes that will save you hours over the course of months.
  3. Keep it simple. While letting all mail sit in your inbox might not work for everyone, there’s no need to create a super complex folder structure. You’ll spend more time filing and archiving everything than the time you’ll spend searching. Just keep a simple management system with perhaps a few main folders, and you should be golden.
  4. Don’t touch twice. Once opened, process the types of emails. Delete, Delegate, Respond, Defer or Do. Letting it sit there without taking any action ensures double work. You’ll have to reread it at a later stage and will again be faced with making a decision on it. This is one reason why avoiding mail on mobile is not a bad idea; you often end up reading and processing the same mails again when you get to your computer.
  5. Beware of Zero-obsession. The purpose of Inbox Zero is to clear your head and make sure there’s no feeling of anxiety about unread emails slipping through the cracks. It’s easy though to get obsessed with seeing the bottom of your mailbox by the end of every single day. This creates anxiety about not reaching Zero, which defies the purpose of applying Inbox Zero in the first place. Don’t get obsessed or devote too much time and attention; it’s OK if you get to Zero once a week or so.

Takeaway

Inbox Zero might not be for you. In fact, there are plenty of people that aspire to the Inbox Infinity approach that is more laissez-faire and less about diligently watching your email inbox and excising the nonsense. Some say, just let it flow and flow and don’t worry so much about it. But if you are up for giving Inbox Zero a shot as an approach to email management, the above information should get you on your way.

Have something to add to this story? Comment below or join the discussion on Facebook.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like

economy

In the early 2000s, I remember watching a game show, and the grand prize was a million dollars. I thought to myself, “Wow, that’s...

economy

When starting college and choosing a major, it’s important to know which college degrees will make you the most money. Since last year’s quarantine,...

2016 president election

In a political climate dominated by a two-party system, Libertarians are constantly confused as off-brand Republicans. Although the two groups sometimes align on issues,...

Business

What is the gap between culture and technology? According to Damas, entertainers have passions that brands and companies may not be aware of, and...

Copyright © 2020-2021 GenBiz. GenBiz is owned and operated by owned by the Foundation for American Content and Entertainment, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.