One simple thing

Published: Wed, 01/25/17

One thing I do every day is write. Like right now :)

The other thing I do, seemingly all day long, is read. Some of that is email.

Would you agree reading your emails is kind of a time suck?

I mean, it's fun and you may run across some very good information...yet, you could waste more time on email than you do on Facebook.

And you know how much time you waste on Facebook.

Can I get an "Amen?"

Today, I'm here to tell you a very simple way to "deal with" your email.

If you're like me, you don't like your inbox "filling up."

But you won't "process" an email unless you read it, right? I know I just can't...

So here's my 3-step process for managing my email:
  1. Scan the subject lines and "from" address. If neither interests me (and most don't - I really need to do something about that), I archive it (I delete nearly nothing, a big failure on my part).
  2. I open the ones that are left and quickly scan/read them.
  3. If there's an action to take within the email (e.g., "read this blog post"), I click the link and gmail opens the post up in a new tab. Otherwise, I archive this email.
Now, I have a few open tabs. I may choose to read them now or later. If now, I just read and close when finished. If later, I may "one tab" them to bulk read later.

Simple?

It's really just this...

Read and process. Act if necessary. But be vigilant in getting your inbox cleared.

BONUS TIP #1: Check email 2x per day - once in the morning and once when you're finishing up for the day.

BONUS TIP #2: Archive (or delete) your inbox once a month. I know it's hard, but if you haven't dealt with something for a few weeks, you probably never will. This assures it :)

Bill
Join my "Tribe" on Facebook

PS -  Tweet: Like being a Tribe member? Share it with a friend. https://ctt.ec/I7R6d+

PPS - Want more personal productivity tips? Read this book. It's free if you're an Amazon Prime member.

What? You're not? Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial

Disclaimer: Some links I mention in my emails are to resources where I'm an affiliate. When you click and decide to buy, I earn a commission. I'm proud to recommend those resources I've purchased, reviewed, or personally use in my own business. You should always perform your own due diligence before buying from anyone via the Internet or offline.