If you’re like me, life at times can quickly get out of hand and before you know it, your email is stretching in the 100+ area with 200 and 300 not far behind (the physical, paper-based inbox isn’t much different). I used to use my email as my to-do list, and, to be honest, at times I still do that. But I’m constantly exploring ways to maximize my time and avoid the trap of merely living in “the urgent”. When people start asking me about the status of a project or request that I’ve completely forgotten about because it was buried under a digital or physical pile, then I know it’s time to get back to the basics.

The folks over at 43Folders.com have written extensively about this problem and their solution is referred to as “INBOX ZERO“. I can speak from personal experience and say that I am at my best, from a stress-level standpoint,  when I make the conscience effort to keep the inbox as close to zero as possible.

Presently, I’m a ways from getting back to my ideal. It’s amazing what a highly active couple of weeks can do to “the pile”.

Click here to check out the “Inbox Zero” section of 43folder.com.

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