Zero That Inbox DIY
Although this DEFINITELY was not always the case - I can now say I actually enjoy being in my email inbox (GASP!). I can say this ONLY because I've got a fun, motivating background image paired with a organizational system that allows me to feel free of any "shoulds." Like….. I SHOULD respond to this right now, I SHOULD categorize this immediately, I SHOULD act on this now.
I get it - this is NOT your happy place. It wasn’t mine, either! It's probably causing you some serious stress and distraction to even open your inbox. It could be overfilled to the brim, it could be harboring long overdue emails, it could be that you have so many emails categorized as important that at this point nothing is important.
Whatever it is, this DIY guide is going to give you the steps you need to get that elusive "0" next to the Inbox in your gmail account.
So here's how to use the "DIY Zero that Email" Process, which I've broken into a 4-step process:
1. Deep Dive Record your responses to each of the Deep Dive questions in the above chart.
2. Document Organize your responses using your preferred method; a PM tool, a google doc, a paper or digital to-do list, etc.
3. Test Implementing and testing is the best way to determine if a particular method works for you. For example, you've decided to color code all internal meetings, but you've realized it's not something you’ve actually been keeping up with. If you’ve determined this isn’t a sustainable habit for you, tweak the process, or eliminate as needed. Then move on to implement & test another method.
3. Wrap up Set up a task or a reminder to do this every quarter, month, or even week! You might be tempted to do this one time and think you can work off of that moving forward …but it's likely you’ll need to set aside time regularly in order to figure out what you actually want it to be and look like.
DIVE IN!
ACTION STEP:
Now get started! Jump into the Deep Dive and start to answer the questions!
OPTIONAL ACTION STEP:
Reply to this email with a quick screenshot of your action guide so we can hold you accountable! Or feel free to tag me on insta (@operation_qol1) with a screenshot of your progress.
You don't have to do this ALL AT ONCE. I know the desire to sit down for a couple of hours and knock it out can be tempting. If that works for you, BY ALL MEANS, go for it.
However, don't be afraid to schedule some time to complete what you can in that moment, and then come back to it.
Don’t be afraid to dabble in different mediums!
Stay tuned for more tips and advice from your friendly Operations Strategist,
