How to Achieve Postage Zen

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Almost 9 years ago, Merlin Mann launched the empty inbox idea that soon became a trend. However, in focusing on zeroing the number of inboxes, we missed an important point: it's not about emptying the inbox, it's about the peace and clarity that comes with it. Salvation in achieving postal zen!

According to the data, 80% of letters are "waste". Swollen inbox with unread messages, to-do lists we send to ourselves, and newsletters is stressful and distressing. Leaders are especially vulnerable, who are constantly bombarded with new and new messages that require attention.

The only way to stop this madness is to stop obeying your mailbox and start managing it. And this does not mean that you need to delete all messages, freeing up space for fresh ones. Without a clear plan for managing your inboxes, you will quickly fall back on old habits and worry will take over your mind again.

Here are 6 tips to help you achieve post zen.

1. Reduce the flow of trash

Review your subscriptions and honestly admit to yourself which ones are only wasting your time. A bunch of identical newsletters? The update report for the site you were last on a year ago? Information about discounts at a store where you once bought something? Unsubscribe from all this urgently.

Anything that does not concern your daily or strategic interests should not end up in your inbox. Make an effort and carefully tune your spam filters.

2. Train the team

Employees of large corporations are more familiar with this pain: endless chains of letters, copies of which are sent to everyone who needs and does not need. Stop this madness: Explain that you can only be added to recipients of messages that are directly related to you. There is a telephone for urgent matters. Explain the same to clients, friends, family.

3. Automate your mailbox

Adjust your filters so that a quick glance in your Inbox gives you an idea of what needs your immediate attention, what can be viewed at the end of the day, and what is available during the week.

4. Use deferred read services

Save interesting, but not urgent emails in a separate folder or use services like Evernote. Save curious articles that have been sent to you in Pocket or Instapaper and read when you have free time.

5. Maintain to-do lists using special services

Your inbox is not a list maker. Unlearn the habit of emailing yourself to-do lists and plans for long-term projects.

Maintain to-do lists in services sharpened for this, where you can set deadlines, priorities, break large projects into several small tasks, and structure lists. And you'll be less likely to flinch when you see a new incoming message in your mail.

6. Use the two minute rule

Only respond immediately to emails that take less than two minutes of your time. Send the rest to the to-do list or to the Read Later folder. Easily distribute letters will help, for example.

An effective inbox handling system is essential to your mental health. The flow of letters will never stop, and it is important for you to learn to float in it, not drown. Once you achieve postal Zen, you will become calmer and more productive.