DISQUS

Wasatch Girl: The Zen of the Zero Inbox

  • Sterling Okura · 7 months ago
    That's quite an accomplishment. I tried it a couple times last year after reading a Zero Inbox post on the PutThingsOff blog, but I haven't been consistent.

    I'm intrigued by Inbox-Fu and off to check out those links. Thanks!
  • WasatchGirl · 7 months ago
    Sterling,
    Thanks for stopping by the blog and for commenting. Yeah, it can be quite the task to get the inbox to zero... but it is definitely worth it. I feel like I can focus on other tasks and projects because I know that I don't have a single email. =)

    Let me know what you think of Tim's post. And keep me updated with your zero inbox progress. =)
    Best.
    Rachel
  • MJ · 7 months ago
    Thanks Rachel. I'm going to try organizing my folders in my email... hopefully this will help. Still not willing to get a blackberry or iphone... too much at my fingertips. Can you just come and organize my email? and while you're at it, organize all of my photos on my computer :-)
  • WasatchGirl · 7 months ago
    MJ,
    Ha ha... if I get bored I will swing through Zions Park to organize your email and pics. =)

    Keep me posted with your zero inbox progress.
    Rach
  • Neal McQuaid · 7 months ago
    Nice post. I manage to keep mine consistently below about 5-10 emails so not too shabby. It rarely ever makes to zero however.

    I'm definitely a big believer in having access to email by mobile also - I found by having it near to me whenever I wanted to check, or had a moment to spare, actually took some of the stress out of checking my inbox (I'm sure we all know the moment of holding your breath before your inbox opens up....).
    Like you, I swear by filters. For some emails (mailing list, etc.), I treat them like an RSS feed - read them if I have time, or else just delete!
  • WasatchGirl · 7 months ago
    Wow, you keep yours between 5 - 10 regularly?! You are amazing! =)

    Yeah, the spare moments are perfect for jamming through an email or two.
    Thanks for commenting, Neal.
    Rachel
  • Neal McQuaid · 7 months ago
    Worst-case, my inbox is usually up to about 20. Makes my life feel a little more sane by doing so :) what can I say, I like order! :)
  • Jeff Lu · 7 months ago
    Great post. I've been organizing my emails by mandate / company and I try flagging the action items but there have definitely been emails that fall through the cracks.

    I'm going to try your "do, read, say, think" suggestion. Just curious, what type of emails do you put under "say"?
  • WasatchGirl · 7 months ago
    Jeff,
    Thanks for stopping by the blog and for commenting.

    The "say" category is for those emails that need a thoughtful answer but aren't a true task that would fall into the "do" category. Tim, explains it nice on his ReSaDoTh post as "If someone needs a two-line answer to a question, send that e-mail, archive the question, and be done with it. If an e-mail requires more talk than that, file it under “Say” for the moment, because you should put a higher priority on . . ."
    Hope that helps. If not, feel free to drop me a line.
    Cheers.
    Rachel
  • Jeff Lu · 7 months ago
    Ahhh... I've got it now. Thanks for answering my question. I'll be working my way to Zen now.
  • WasatchGirl · 7 months ago
    Nice! Good luck. =)
  • Gabriel Gunderson · 6 months ago
    I'm a little late on this, but I still need to share my fav Google mail tip for a clean INBOX...

    Check out "Send & Archive" in Google Labs by "Pal T"

    """
    Adds a button to the compose form that lets you send a reply message and archive the email conversation in a single action.
    """

    Best,
    Gabe
  • WasatchGirl · 6 months ago
    Gabe,
    Ah, this is a great tip. Thanks for sharing.
    Best.
    Rachel
  • WasatchGirl · 3 months ago
    Just came upon this Lifehacker post and thought I would share since relevant: http://lifehacker.com/5364596/reduce-your-inbox...