*NEW* Moving to a New Platform for Courses & Programs
We’re moving all our programs over to a new platform - see this blog post for full details.
As an existing customer you qualify for a free upgrade.
To access your free upgrade please visit this page to get your upgrade link.
Welcome to Day 17.
It’s hard to think about our overcomplicated lives today without thinking of email.
Today let’s simplify our inboxes.
If you’ve purchased this program or are a Premium Subscriber please log in to see more information below.
Click here to learn more about this program. // Click here to learn more about the Premium Subscription.
Our group responses are as follows:
Turn off email notifications. Decide on set times to process your email daily.
Reply only to emails when necessary.
Delete the preamble & bullet points unless it is an important document to you.
Delete all spam/Junk Mail. Do not open any spam due to viruses contained in some spams.
Set up folders to keep important documents you need to keep.
I have been unsubscribing myself and started deleting some of my 3K emails I have.
I have simplified my filing into one folder, both personal and professional. I have asked to be taken off some circulation lists at work and am not responding to all emails. I am trying to be shorter and sharper in what I write and my notifications are off. What is more difficult to break is the habit of feeling like you have to constantly check your inbox and reply, but I am hoping day 14 is going to help me crack that one (when I get to it)!
I have created a folder called aaa – general dump keeper – as I find it impossible to delete work emails (I am an archivist by trade – occupational hazard) – it’s right at the top of my folders so I don’t have to scroll down all the time trying to find the perfect folder for filing away all my emails. It’s changed my life! I know I can search for emails pretty easily so if they are still there, I will find them x
I put in filters on day 11, mostly auto-delete. This was great for a while, but I found that, although not necessary, some of the emails that I was mass deleting were helpful. For day 17 I have improved my filtering options, both adding and deleting to make my email filing filing more relevant.
I can say that since irst doing this task, writing email has generally become quicker and therefore less painful for me (not a fan of email, although I admit it does come in handy). I get to the point faster, am less perfectionistic in casual messages, and worry less about uber-politeness, esp the thank you and you’re welcome emails. The preamble – “how are you, hope all is well, etc.” still remains a challenge because I get that little voice about *good manners’ 🙂
I am one to do #’s 1-3. I check my email way too many times a day. I always feel the need to respond to all messages. This includes those on facebook. And I definitely am long winded! I think I can begin to change all three of these. Not sure I’m comfortable with the bullet point responses, but I will consider this option.
I am one to do #’s 1-3. I check my email way too many times a day. I always feel the need to respond to all messages. This includes those on facebook. And I definitely am long winded! I think I can begin to change all three of these. Not sure I’m comfortable with the bullet point responses, but I will consider this option.
Just start with what feels comfortable Lety – it may be enough!
I’m going to turn off my notifications of e-mail receipts AND I will not respond to every e-mail that I open!-that will be a hard one for me-but I can do it!
This is a challenge I truly need. The suggestions I’ll focus on are #2 – finding a balance between uber-niceness/politeness and effectiveness, and a modified and merged #3 & 4 to just be less wordy. Btw, this will helpful not just re: email, but in my day-to-day life:)
I like your choices Ellen. 🙂
1. I know I need to figure out how to add my signature so it’ll save that time.
2. I REALLY need to limit the number of tabs I have open. I float between 3 e-mails, 2 facebooks, pinterest, google docs, and any other sites I’m interested in all day long. And the TV or radio is always on.
3. I will try the bullet points (hope they don’t seem rude).
4. I use e-mail to communicate with friends and family a lot since we moved and I don’t know many people here yet, so I’m going to give myself the okay to be long on those kids of e-mails. This goes with my priority of staying connected to friends and family.
5. off topic: I need to review my daily lists (I’ve gotten away from them already) and my priorities.
6. Only 3 days into summer vacation and I already feel like we are all on top of each other! EEKK!
Where are your daily lists kept Lisa? Stick them on your fridge, or somewhere you can see them daily. This should help you focus. 🙂 Kylie ~ Community Manager
I keep hem in my journal that I carry with me. I guess I need to make another list and post it.
Out of sight, out of mind? I bought a cute magnetised memo pad that I keep on the side of my fridge. That’s enough for me to know it’s there and check daily, but not so visible that my guests read my daily/weekly/monthly to-do’s. 🙂
I know I’m too wordy ~ so I’m going to try this! Thanks for the inspiration.
Haha that was very succinct! 🙂
It’s not going so well. It takes me longer to write bullets than sentences! But I’ll persevere for a while and see.
I’d like to share a tip I learned through trial and error over the years. Limit email messages to a maximum of four sentences and let each sentence stand alone as it’s own (short) “paragraph.” It’s easier for the other person to read and respond and discourages you from writing more than is necessary.
Neat tip Sharon! Thanks for sharing it.
Love this idea. Thanks, Sharon!