Why You Should Declare Email Bankruptcy
Alex (The Engineering Bolt) โก
Posted on January 10, 2024
Hitting the Reset Button on Email Overload: Declared Email Bankruptcy! ๐
Ever felt like you're drowning in a sea of emails? ๐๐ฌ I sure did! After struggling with my ever-growing inbox, I finally took the plunge and declared email bankruptcy. That's right โ I wiped the slate clean!
Why? Because life's too short to spend half our day sifting through an endless barrage of messages. ๐ It's not just me; even industry giants like Lawrence Lessig and Fred Wilson have been there.
So, what's the big deal? Well, did you know the average person checks their email 36 times an hour and spends about 13 hours a week just managing it? Crazy, right? ๐ฎ It's more than a clutter issue; it's about reclaiming our time and focus.
Taking this bold step wasn't easy, but it was necessary. It's not about avoiding responsibility; it's about admitting that sometimes, starting over is the best step forward. ๐๐ผ
For anyone feeling overwhelmed by their inbox, I'm here to say: It's okay to hit the reset button. Just remember, it's a rare tool, not a regular escape hatch. And hey, maybe check with your boss first? ๐๐
Here's to fresh starts and efficient inboxes in 2024! ๐๐
Tips to maintain an organized inbox
- Regular Maintenance: Set aside time each week to review and organize your emails. This will prevent them from piling up again.
- Use Folders and Labels: Organize your emails into folders or label them based on their priority, project, or any other category that makes sense for you. This makes it easier to find important emails later.
- Unsubscribe from Unnecessary Newsletters: If you receive newsletters or promotional emails you no longer read, take a few moments to unsubscribe. This reduces future clutter.
- Set Email Boundaries: Establish specific times to check your email. This prevents constant interruptions and helps maintain focus on other tasks.
- Utilize Filters and Rules: Most email services allow you to set up rules or filters to automatically sort incoming emails, which can be a huge time saver.
- Prioritize Your Responses: Not every email requires an immediate response. Prioritize them based on urgency and importance.
- Use Email Templates for Common Responses: If you find yourself writing similar responses frequently, create templates to save time.
Join Me
Read more about Engineering Culture in Meta (Facebook), โกNewsletter, Twitter and LinkedIn for more Career, Leadership and Growth advice.
Posted on January 10, 2024
Join Our Newsletter. No Spam, Only the good stuff.
Sign up to receive the latest update from our blog.