Inbox Zero

Posted: 2015-11-21 15:43:24 by Alasdair Keyes

Direct Link |

Having recently started a new job, I've started trying to implement Inbox Zero.

Although I don't stick to it's 5 points religiously, I find the basic premise extremely useful and have adapted it to a way that I find most useful.

I now use my inbox as part of my todo list, when I look at my inbox I now apply the following rules

• It doesn't require action and I don't need to refer to it. (e.g. Marketing email from vendor). :: DELETE
• It doesn't require action but has information I may need to refer back to it in future. (e.g. Message from colleague). :: FILE IT
• It needs me to do something at a specific point in the future. (e.g. Meeting invitation or Message to call customer next Monday). :: ADD TO CALENDAR then FILE IT
• It needs action that I can do quickly now. :: ACTION IT
• Keep it in the inbox for processing later.

At this point, the only things I have to worry about are what's in the inbox as soon as I have dealt with them, I file it and move onto the next one.

So far, it's working well, after 7 weeks on the job my inbox this weekend is 1!

I'm now slowly trying to apply it to my personal emails too...

If you found this useful, please feel free to donate via bitcoin to 1NT2ErDzLDBPB8CDLk6j1qUdT6FmxkMmNz