Getting Back to Inbox Zero

What is inbox zero?

Inbox zero is a concept coined by productivity expert Merlin Mann, who defined it as "the amount of time an employee's brain is in his inbox". It's not about having zero emails in your inbox, but rather about having zero stress and distraction from your inbox. It means that you have a system to process, organize, and act on your emails efficiently, without letting them pile up or interrupt your focus.

Why is inbox zero important?

Email is the most ubiquitous form of business communication in the modern workplace, but it can also be a source of stress, clutter, and procrastination. According to a study by McKinsey, the average worker spends 28% of their workweek on email. That's a lot of time that could be spent on more meaningful and creative tasks. I know that an overflowing inbox can make you feel overwhelmed, anxious, and unproductive--it does for me! It stress about missing important messages, deadlines, and opportunities.

How can you achieve inbox zero?

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for achieving inbox zero, but there are some general principles and best practices that can help you get there. Here are some tips to get you started:

·      Use the "4 Ds" method to deal with each email: delete, delegate, defer, or do. Delete or archive the emails that are irrelevant, spam, or no longer needed. Delegate the emails that can be handled by someone else. Defer the emails that require more time or attention to a later date, and add them to your to-do list or calendar. Do the emails that can be replied to or resolved in less than two minutes.

·      Set aside specific times to check and process your email, rather than constantly checking it throughout the day. This will help you avoid distractions and maintain your focus on your priorities.

·      Create rules (or filters, or labels) to organize your inbox and automate some of the sorting and filing. This will help you find what you need faster and keep your inbox clean and tidy.

·      Unsubscribe from newsletters, promotions, and notifications that you don't read or need. Or just filter them to your deleted items folder, or their own specific place. This will reduce the amount of incoming email and save you time and space.

What are the benefits of inbox zero?

·      Get back the time and energy to focus on your most important and creative tasks, rather than spending hours on email.

·      You'll have less stress and anxiety, as you won't have to deal with a constant stream of notifications, reminders, and requests.

·      Gain clarity and control over your workflow, as you'll have a clear overview of what's going on and the priorities.

·      You'll have better communication and collaboration, as you'll be able to respond to and follow up on your emails in a timely and effective manner.

Yes, the concept of Inbox zero lets you email more efficiently and effectively, and boost your productivity and happiness. Don't stress over your email!

Next step for me? Microsoft Teams Inbox Zero!!!

Learn more at https://www.inc.com/betsy-mikel/the-guy-who-invented-inbox-zero-says-were-all-doing-it-wrong.html.