Seems like my last article struck a nerve with a lot of people struggling to deal with the avalanche of email flooding their inbox.
The reality is, we all deal with email as a serious distraction. When I teach about productivity and creating more time for important things, there are 3 Killer Distractions that you are likely dealing with.
Put another way, what are the 3 biggest distractions in your business world?
I’ll bet they are .. Email .. the Phone .. and Other People.
Think about what could happen if you could just manage those 3 things?
The fact is, you can. When you understand how to create a Fortress Of Focus, mastering these distraction is a simple process.
And since email seems to be the one that drives people the most crazy, read on for a few more ideas and thoughts on how you can finally tame the email beast once and for all.
To quickly recap the last post I wrote about email, I gave you 2 simple but deadly effective strategies for reducing your Inbox Overwhelm:
1. Stop using your inbox as a storage bin for your email – as soon as an email is processed or replied to, move it to another folder (mine’s called “Filed”).
2. Use the built-in features of your email client to automatically move incoming (non-urgent) emails into separate folders. This way, they don’t clutter up your Inbox, and you can review them at your leisure (or never, which is usually what happens since they aren’t important to begin with!)
Not surprisingly,
I got some resistance from people who said they’re “just fine” with using their Inbox to store all of their emails and having thousands of them. Of course, these are likely the same people that can’t see the top of their desk because it’s piled with so much crap and unnecessary clutter.
Like it or not,
using your Inbox to store your email is a complete waste of resources. It’s harder to find certain emails, it creates mental clutter, and it actually can threaten to corrupt or crash your email client if the Inbox gets too large.
The reason most people give for not wanting to change is there are too many emails, so they already feel defeated before they start.
Here’s a really simple strategy for you if you’ve got hundreds, or thousands of emails and you don’t want to go through and sort them all ..
Email Trick #1:
Archive ALL of the emails in your Inbox and start over!
That’s right. Create a new folder called “
Archive“, and
MOVE ALL OF YOUR EMAILS into it.
Bring your Inbox back to zero, at least for a moment. You’ll feel like a hero, and then all those emails will still be there (but hidden away) if you need them.
And from that moment forward, commit to using your Inbox properly.
You can have a second chance, and it’s really that easy.
And, after enough time has passed to allow you to realize those emails are USELESS, then
delete them all out of that folder.
Even if you don’t do this, at least they won’t drag you down every day and make you feel like you’ve lost every time you open your Inbox.
Ultimately, managing your email is about being productive — increase your productivity by only
20% (which I can show you how to do in about 20 minutes), and
you get an EXTRA day every week!
Think about that — what would you do with an extra DAY every week?
Here’s another strategy that will skyrocket your productivity, literally overnight ..
Email Trick #2:
Turn Your “New Message” Notification OFF!
Did the chill just go down your spine when I said that?
Did you have a momentary panic attack?
“How can I possibly turn my notification off? Then I won’t know when a new email comes in..!”
That’s precisely the point.
If you work at your computer regularly with your email program running, and you get notified every time an email comes in – what happens? Like Pavlov’s dog, you’re instantly conditioned to go and see what the email is.
We all have this sick and strange compulsion to check our email 153 times a day.
I’m sure you get that little feeling of excitement that a new email arrives.
“Hey! Maybe this is from that new account!”
“Finally, Bob’s ready to go for lunch!”
“Maybe this Nigerian account transfer will finally work!”
Whatever the case. Whether you like it or not,
that little notification sound and envelope lurking in your taskbar is KILLING your productivity.
It doesn’t get any simpler than this .. turn that notification
OFF.
Commit to yourself that you are ONLY going to check your email in between your projects and the work you have to do.
Now, I’m not saying this easy.
It’ll take you some time to wean yourself off the heroine-like addiction, and you’ll have some withdrawal.
But you’re either committed to becoming more productive and successful, or you’re not.
What’s it gonna be?
If you really want to take this strategy to the next level, here’s another one that will increase your productivity by
at LEAST 50% ..
Email Trick #3:
ONLY Check Your Email When You’re Scheduled To
To become incredibly productive, you should schedule email processing just like any other project on your list.
I try to schedule “Email” into my daily agenda 2-3 times per day, allowing 15-20 minutes each time.
This allows you to focus
ONLY on your email and not be distracted while you’re on the phone or anything else.
“But what about people that are used to be responding right away?”
Virtually very email program has “
auto-responder” capability built into it.
You know the “out of office notifications” you get when someone’s on holidays? You simply use that tool, and respond to each email that comes in. But instead of saying “I’m out of the office”, you use it to set the NEW expectations for people to know that you’re only checking email a couple of times a day .. and
NOT to expect an instant reply.
Works like magic!
Now the truth is,
I’ve got 38 strategies (and counting) on how to master your email, and create a
Fortress Of Focus.
I’ve compiled them over the years, and they’re the exact tools I use to be FAR more productive than most people that I know. I’ve also gathered some awesome tools to deal with the other 2
Productivity Killers – the
Phone and
Other People.
Let me do a little market research here —
If I were to create a powerful training program that shows you how to get “Time For It All”, would you be interested?
I’m thinking of creating a very simple and “no fluff”, ninja-style approach to productivity and getting more time to do the things you really want.
Not hours and hours of training, but a
cut-throat, results-oriented program that would
at LEAST double your productivity.
If you’re already struggling with time management, another 42 hour training program probably isn’t for you. I’m talking high-impact, quick and effective ways to get control of your time, your environment and your life.
Post a comment below and let me know if this is something you’d be interested in.
Do me a favor and in your comment, answer this question:
What is the single BIGGEST challenge you face when it comes to getting things done and having enough time?
If I get enough responses and feedback, I’ll look at creating a tight, compact and deadly effective program to double your productivity.
So if that’s something you need, then post a comment and let me know.
Thanks, and don’t forget to answer the question!
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66 Responses
Being distracted and overwhelmed by the amount of things that I have to do and not knowing where to start sometimes is my biggest challenge when it comes to getting things done and not having enough time…it often feels like a self-imposed catch 22 situation
Your Suggestions by the way Greg are excellent, I’ve already started cleaning up my inbox, it’s making a huge difference. Thank you.
Thanks for more great ideas, Greg! I already have an ‘active’ folder, so I took the plunge, selected all 662 emails in my inbox and moved them into that folder. WOW! I didn’t know what my inbox looked like when it’s empty. You’re right, I feel like a hero. And I have the chance to start afresh now when the first one comes in. I won’t look right away tho, I’m in training to be more disciplined. And I’ll file and delete as I go! So now my answer to your question: My biggest challenge is believing there is not enough time for me to go for a regular walk each day, that I already have more to do than I have time for, and still not achieving my desired results. Might as well go for that walk!
Thanks again Greg, be well,
~ Lynn
Hi Lynn – part of the reason you're not getting a walk in is because you haven't tied it back to an important enough reason. If you're hoping that you'll just "find" the time to go for a walk, it will never happen. You have to be deliberate about it ,and schedule it in to your time. Schedule everything else AROUND that time. Treat it like it's sacred – because it is. The studies prove you absolutely MUST have some recharging time each day to remain productive and creative. Here's what I would do – instead of going for a 30 minute walk, start with the goal of having a 3 minute walk. Seriously. That's it. Then once you accomplish that, try for a 5 minute walk. Enjoy the time. Recognize WHY you're doing it, and feel good about doing it. Then, slowly move up to the goal you're after. Most people fail because they try to jump the Grand Canyon in their first effort, rather than stepping over a puddle.
One will almost always find time and get things done when one is excited about a project that will bring immedatie results. I find self discipline 2 B an issue when it comes 2 doing things that I dont really enjoy or come 2 me naturally, & when there R long term results. Thank U 4 all the wonderfull advice U share with all of us.
You are right!! It’s email!! I get stuck looking at all the emails that come in, instead of doing what I really intended to do. Thanks for all the good tips!
Staying on task with boring projects, email/web distractions, clutter.
Good ideas! I have a suggestion – have you looked at 5S? Here’s a link: http://www.ehow.com/how_5450545_email.html. 5S works well in general and I’m going to try it on my own email over my holidays – and use the tips mentioned here also.
Hi Peter – thanks for the suggestion. I do think that their concept is interesting, but I'm not sure they've actually identified the critical 'action' steps that people need to focus on. I teach a similar philosophy, but it's much simpler, and I think easier to implement and remember. For example, "delegate" is a critical action you need to be ruthless about with email, and it's not mentioned. That's one of the true secrets of managing email – having systems in place to delegate the emails you're not the right person to act upon. Really, it comes down to doing something. Any system is a good one if it actually works for someone, and it's important to find a system that actually works for you.
thanks a lot, ofcourse my biggest challenge is the huge amount of things to be done.
When I am focused and am on task I am very productive. If I get distracted by something or have something unplanned that comes up (could be a new client or a client that needs some of my attention)I find it can be hard to change gears and it leaves me feeling ungrounded.
I do have email overwhelm and find your comments on that front VERY helpful.
I also am challenged by how to organize and retrieve information. Being a creative organization and systems are a weak point for me.
I have a smilar situation as Jane has. I feel like I lose my Muse and hard to find the “where” I was, or “what” it was, never mind the “how” – Quite frustrating. – LOVE your email suggestions; I didn’t have a file or archive, I had names or subjects, where I’d automatically file the emails, or with Outlook, I’d use the flaggings system if it was something I wanted to read hours later without filing them. I keep my inbox to no more than 40; otherwise, I start making the Sign of The Cross! – Just like Jane, I’m challeged in organizing and retrieving info, and weak in systemizing. Thanks Jane for posting this, as it was alike a mirror when I read it, and thank you Greg for all you do to help us.
Hi Ali – if you're not clear on your what (or why) then that's part of the problem! That's not so much a productivity issue, but more one of clarity. It does sound like you're not too far off track with the productivity, but getting more clear about the why and what of your goals and tasks would likely give you a lot more power and confidence in getting them done.
Hi Jane – the secret is in having a system where you are NOT distracted or interrupted, because you've created your Fortress of Focus. This requires you setting your environment up properly, AND setting expectations with your clients (especially new ones). Being deliberate about your success is a powerful tool!
Categorizing based priority, objective, goal, task and then results.
We are taught a basic four quadrant element, personal, personal knowledge, business knowledge, and long term results. Surprisingly enough the long term results require the less urgent task and have a lot of due diligence attached.
As a business owner I want to impact my clients in a way that makes them comfortable and repeat customers. I constantly find myself using my personal time getting business knowledge.
It seems that I am working harder for myself and getting less long term results. I am increasing my personal knowledge, I have let it pass for a few years now as a learning experience.
What is the ‘tipping point’ from business and personal knowledge to long term results?
Will my personal goals always need to get put on hold because of my business needs, including emails from clients, returning phone calls, writing proposals? Honestly where is the balance or more importantly the tipping point?
Hi Paul – you've identified a critical issue. You will ALWAYS have to put your personal goals on hold because of your business .. if you do NOT actively set boundaries and priorities on your personal goals FIRST. In other words, you HAVE to place your most important goals into your schedule FIRST and then work around them. So the solution, as simple as it sounds, is to be deliberate about putting your personal goals into your schedule first, and then plan your business activities around that. Set up systems and processes that allow you to deal with the business priorities without dropping balls. Set expectations with clients so they don't expect instant response or immediate call banks.
Convincing myself I can actually accomplish the goal alone. Too often I think I need more resources than I have to get something done. So, often times I am slow at starting the task and sometimes I never convince myself to start. Therefore, I take on less meaningful tasks that results in less personal advancements.
This is an issue a lot of people face – if this is the case, then it's a matter of sitting down and actually writing out a list of the resources that you'll actually need to accomplish the goal. It's incredible how simple it is to write things down, yet when you do it clears away a lot of the fog and mystery about things. It also helps to look at the goal written down, and break it into the actual steps that need to be accomplished. That allows you brain to grasp what needs to actually be done, and it is easier to see what needs to be done, rather than the fuzzy idea of what you want to accomplish. A goal is simply a series of steps and actions, and when you get clear on those steps and actions, it becomes a lot easier to know what has to happen to get the goal accomplished.
I would LOVE a ninja style training on time management!
Saying No to all the things that might be useful to know about and so I take time to signup and download them and then have to manage them. But…they might just be useful so I feel I can't let the opportunity go by.
HI Greg
As a recruiter, my biggest challenge is that i need to go through each and every mail. answer each and every call, because you never know if it is that right candidate who is on the other side, this takes a lot of energy and time
Sheriff
Hi Inaam – the problem here is that it sounds like you have no filtering or processing systems in place to help identify who is a good candidate and who isn't. By the time people are sending you individual emails, you should already have a good sense that they meet at least some of your criteria. For example, have an online questionnaire or form that they're required to complete first. If they won't even take the time to fill that out or take a step, chances are they're not your ideal candidate. And even more important, you may not even be attracting the ideal prospects through your current marketing to begin with. So the key is to have marketing that attracts your ideal candidate, and then have an automated process that requires them to demonstrate they are committed to working with you. That alone can save you 50% of the work required in going through a bunch of emails that are not going to lead anywhere.
Hi Greg……..awesome tips, yes just like pavlovs dog, wow! are we conditioned…………….I also believe that in my experience obsessiveness or absorbion with emails is just another form of procrastination or avoidance of what I really need to do…………………….absolutely interested in the training program you mentioned “Time for it all”…………..very interested in tips to help solo entreprenuers, so many tasks, only me to do them, not enough cash flow just yet to outsource or employ staff…………have a fantastic day, thank you soooo much cheers stacyXX
Hi Stacy – while I understand the issue about cashflow, etc., the reality is that you can outsource to someone for a few dollars an hour. Even if you only outsourced to someone 8 hours a week, you could do that for less than $50 per week. Anyone can afford that, especially if it allows them to do more work that generates revenue.
Hi! Great article! My biggest challenge is organization and set priorities.
Carla (Portugal)
Greg
Some great ideas here. I know I’m a little addicted to the sound of the inbox notification – so I’ll give your ideas a go
I would be interested. My biggest challenge is to keep track of all the commitments I make (including to myself) . I have not found a solution to the todo list that doesn’t become cluttered with the small tasks. I need a way to keep me focused and moving on my most important challenges even though they are complex.
Motivation to do the stupid, mundane, day-to-day tasks so I can get them out of the way of the other things I am excited about doing.
What is the single BIGGEST challenge you face when it comes to getting things done and having enough time?
My biggest challenge is learning. I love to learn and sometimes get caught up in it. Technology is changing so fast and there are so many tips available to empower one utilizing that technology, that we can get caught up in it. For me, I need to pass on some things so I can continue on the project at hand.
Hi Greg….I would be interested in a “Time For It All” program! I been using some of your e-mail tricks alredy and can say the do work well. Thanks for the new ones…started using them today.
The single BIGGEST challenge I face when it comes to getting things done and having enough time is taking on new challenges! I seem to have a problem with continually taking on more and more…one more book to read, one more blog to write, another business idea. I seem to be go, go, go and there are only 24 hours in a day…so thanks again for the tips!
On time for“Time For It All”. Wind under your wings.
I couldn't agree more with your three techniques here, Greg. A couple of refinements I'd like to propose, which I teach in my own Productivity Workshop:
On #3: This is a specific form of a general way of treating your time: Budget It! The same way you budget your monthly money expenses, budget your weekly time expenses: for processing email, for processing your voice messages, for processing your paper mail, for work on specific projects, etc.
On #3: There is a myth that customers or prospects are happier when they receive an instantaneous reply. Except for emergency situations, which are rare, what customers and prospects want is predictability: if they know they will consistently get a reply within 12 or 24 hours, they will be as happy.
On #1: The technique I teach in my Workshop is to bring your email box to EMPTY once a week. There is a specific set of 3 simple rules I use and teach on how to achieve that. Ever since I've been practicing it, the sheer psychological relief of not starting my week with 137 messages in my inbox is in itself a productivity booster!
There is more at: ProductivityForLife.com/P4P.
Again, your insights are so appreciated!
Hi Sergei – thanks for your comments. I think the challenge most people have is that budgets generally don't work. After working with thousands of people in financial literacy and helping them become more financially successful and smart with money, I've come to believe that budgeting is a great concept on paper, but most people just don't do it. The same applies in productivity and time management – sticking to a budget is next to impossible. They always have something that's urgent that pops up that takes them off course. Ultimately, budgets are driven and built on "will power" to follow them, and that's the key problem. Great theory, but not very successful in practice. I think the more effective approach is teaching people to implement 'automated' processes that manage THEM, instead of them trying to managing the processes and priorities.. and that is the approach I take in my material. How to create the environment and boundaries that manage you automatically, so you can focus on the work at hand. I appreciate your input.
Hi Greg — Thank you for your insightful reply. I agree and disagree at the same time. I agree that most people don’t have the HABIT of functioning with a budget. I disagree that it is necessarily a matter of “will power.” I think it is more about habit forming (and conversely, relinquishing existing bad habits), and like in all aspects of life, good habits take practice and motivation to install and maintain. For example, if you are in the habit of checking your email every 23 minutes or picking up your phone every time it rings or starting a conversation with a colleague every time s/he shows up at your door, then you will continue to switch-task and (according to researchers, including Basex Corp) waste on average 28% of your time by doing so. But if you are motivated to recover a couple of months of time every year, then you work towards changing those habits, including that of NOT working off a time budget.
Now, changing habits is helped a great deal by installing automated processes (for example, recurring calendar items, alerts, automated email filtering and filing, etc.). That is the OUTER GAME of productivity. Not less and not more important is the INNER GAME of productivity (the habits, the focus, the work in set time-blocks, the goal-oriented pursuits, etc.). Both the outer and the inner games feed off each other. One without the other won’t do.
Hope this makes sense. Again, I very much appreciate your insights and passion about them. Right on!
Sergiu Simmel http://SergiuSimmel.com
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Unfortunately, motivation alone isn't enough to make you change your habits. That is the core problem, and the fatal mistake that most people make. So while it sounds great to be motivated, that will never cause the necessary changes – thus why budgeting is a great idea on paper, but rarely works for most people. I believe that getting a quick result or payoff from doing a simple strategy is the most powerful way to create new habits, and most people subconciously push away from things like budgets, because they're painful and don't work. I agree, it's about both inner game and outer game – the question is where you start and that's where we have a different opinion.
I agree that the inner game (motivation) isn't enough to change habits. It is exactly why I said that one needs both: systems AND motivation, tools AND process, constraints AND focus, etc. So on this, I believe you and I are in total agreement, albeit using different terminology.
I also fully agree with you that getting quick results from a simple strategy is very powerful in installing new habits; it's exactly the approach I use in coaching my clients. It's a strategy with one single purpose: reducing switch-tasking. As I said in my first comment, one reason I very much loved your post (the email tips) is that they all are tactics for the same basic strategy: they all are a form of aggregating, which in turn reduces switch-tasking.
Insofar as whether budgeting works or not (or just rarely works), that is not matter of belief, but of hard evidence. I would be very interested to hear about the study or poll that indicated that budgeting time is not an approach that works for the average professional. Can you please point me in that direction? I'd love some more objective (empirical) data.
Thank you,
Sergiu Simmel http://ProductivityForLife.com/P4P
Sergei, after working with thousands of entrepreneurs, investors and business owners, it's fair to say that budgeting does not work for the majority of people. Clearly, you're a data driven person which I respect, but I go from my real experience working with people, not from data or studies. My job's not to convince you, so you're entitled to your opinion. But if you think budgeting is how to solve problems with productivity, money or anything else, then I wish you luck.
Greg, I am interested in data because I am interested in learning about reality. Your working with thousands of professionals does constitute a source of data. I don't "think budgeting is how to solve problems with productivity," actually. I think of budgeting being an approach. Philosophically, I am a strong advocate of the "different strokes for different folks" approach. Meaning, the same way there is no single solution to how to teach people (there are visual learners and there are auditory learners and there are kinesthetic learners; and then there are "why" learners and there are :"what" learners and there are "how" learners and there are "what if" learners), there is no single solution to how to achieve higher levels of productivity (meaning, to be precise, more Valuable Results in less Time).
The question is what is the right blend that we, as coaches and teachers, offer people so almost everybody comes out as a winner (i.e., more productive). I do happen to know that the approach I learned from Dave Crenshaw (author of "The Myth of Multitasking") has worked for several thousands of professionals over the past decade. This fact alone does not mean that other approaches are also not valid or useful.
I am not looking for THE solution, but the right BLEND and principles that can guide each and every professional to becoming more productive. So I love your work, and the work of several others.
(BTW, my name is really Sergiu 🙂 not Sergei … no Russian background here 🙂
Warm regards,
Sergiu Simmel
http://SergiuSimmel.com
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Great ideas. So if I have 20,000+ in my gmail inbox. I like the idea of archiving them. I tired doing it and it only allows me to do 50 at a time. Is there another way?
Click on the checkbox at the top of your inbox, and choose "All". When you do that, another line pops up at the top of your email list – it says "All 50 conversations on this page are selected. Select all XXXX conversations in Inbox". Click on the "Select all .." text and it will automatically choose EVERY email in your inbox, even if there are 20,000.
Greg,
I just did it. Yeah! My mind feels clearer already.I’m
going to do it now to my Yahoo account. NOthing like starting
the New Year fresh.
Thank you.
Shakti
My single biggest challenge are getting to the really important tasks at the end of the day
Warning: Greg this isn't the answer you want to hear nor are you expecting – ready?
The BIGGEST challenge I face when it comes to getting things done & having enough time is NOT email, the phone, or people. These are all manageable and your techniques are important and I applaud your effort.
Nope, my biggest challenge is anything IT related.
I don't even use Outlook, tried once and suddenly lost control of my emails they were being transported immediately to Outlook and I couldn't manage or file them. Had to hire an IT person to get my emails back in my control.
I use yahoo, I understand it, sort of & web based so I can't lose them.
Hi Ed – actually I want to hear ANY answer, including this. What this tells me is that you haven't been taught how to use your email properly, so that it works for you (instead of the other way around). Email, and all technology, doesn't have to be complex. My 2 year old son can turn on my iPad, enter the password, find his game and play it. It's about design, and having the right approach. I would suggest Gmail over Yahoo, it's 100 times better. Even that would be a big upgrade for you.
Thanks Greg for your reply and suggestions. Yes & yes, however not sure where to get the teaching/instruction you speak of for such simple issues. example: Can a high level athlete teach a 600lb man how to lose weight? -Yes but will he/she? -probly not. I have my strengths and IT is a glaring weakness, I'm almost totally self taught & BTW night school classes don't cut it – been there.
Your 2 yr old gets it b/c he's been around it since birth & everything is instilled in him since birth – I believe Napolean Hill covers this one…
Thanks again for you contribution and Merry Christmas to you & yours!
Hi Ed – what I'm trying to do is remove the excuse of technology holding you back! 🙂 Simply commit to spending 30-60 minutes a day learning how to do the basic stuff on your computer. There are tons of free resources on the internet that will teach you almost anything and everything you need to do on your computer. Go to go Google and type in "How To <X>" for any specific thing you're trying to figure out. For example, "How To Use Microsoft Word" or "How To Use Outlook" or "How To create a new folder in Outlook". Whatever it is, as long as you're specific, the answer is likely out there. Good luck and Merry Christmas to you too!
What is the single BIGGEST challenge you face when it comes to getting things done and having enough time?
My biggest challenge is planning the day out properly… and then sticking to the plan.
Then the challenge after intending to create a plan is finding the time (and discipline) to create the plan in the first place.
I've created plans the night before, and my days after have always been great.
But for some reason I have never stuck to it.
So, if I can create a great system of day planning for myself once, and then get the discipline to work the plan… I would be in good shape.
I also like your point about not needing another 42 hour program, when you don't have time in the first place. 🙂
I am a good procrastinator and short of time to read all of my email. About two weeks ago I sorted out my emails by “from” and it was easier to see whether I have one or twenty emails from the same person and after I evaluate the importance of them it was easy to delete or leave them inbox. I managed to reduce emails from about 3,500 to about 400. I created extra folders a year ago, but they did not help me, as I have problem to locate needed information. It solves immediate problem, but after vile gets over cluttered. Thank you for good suggestions.
Hi Helen – it sounds like the systems you set up didn't solve the challenge. So you need to rethink how you set them up. When it's done correctly, it becomes almost effortless, because it's the way you naturally think and work. So creating systems aligned with your natural thinking is really the key to becoming more productive.
One of my biggest challenges is in effectively delegating tasks to my assistant. I delegate the things I don't enjoy, but they often end up back on my desk! After taking the Advanced Insights Profile, I have the suspicion that many of my challenges are due to the fact that her DISC is similar to mine. She struggles with the same things I do, and as a result, we don't compliment each other.
Having an assistant that thinks and processes just like you can be one of the most destructive things to have in a business. Unfortunately, most entrepreneurs end up hiring people like themselves, because they can relate to them and assume they need someone similar to them to do what they do. But, the reality is you need to hire people based on your weaknesses and what you don't like doing .. so they can fill those gaps in. It's incredible but for every task or role you HATE doing, there is someone out there who LOVES doing it, and it's their passion. So by hiring the right people who compliment you, you not only get more done and enjoy your business and life (because you're not doing a lot of the stuff you don't like), you're actually enabling someone else to bring their gift and passion to the world.
My biggest problem is not working on the important stuff because I'm distracted by the little stuff.
Thanks Greg. I’m certainly going to do this before the year ends so that I can start the New Year on a Great New “Low”:) (in my inbox, that is ) Thanks again.
Joy
Greg , I am always eager to learn and improve my system as I plan for more cyber traffic in 2011. I do use the folders to file my different emails. You are absolutely right about a clear inbox…it feels like an accomplishement… for a while. I truly believe a "deadly" high-impact course created with "your style" will be of value to many including myself. I am planning time for it in 2011! Diane Leahy
Very effective, I have adopted some of this strategies with great psychological relieve. Thank you Craig you have done it again,genius stricken.
Hi Greg,
Being a DIY artist has a lot of different roles/tasks I have to do in order to keep it flow, save my sanity and of course to let it work so to achieve success. So my biggest challenge is to try to manage time efficiently and not letting more than one or two projects/things unfinished when start with.
You’ve got the point for distraction, have been doing some of your strategy mentioned above, it REALLY works. Thanks for sharing with us & yes I’m interested to the strategy you mentioned. Happy Holidays!
Greg,
I couldn’t agree with you more. These tactics have worked wonders personally for me and have improved my efficiency tremendously. I have suggested this tactic to others I know and was surprised at some of the resistance I received. Some people just aren’t willing to admit they’re addicted to their Inbox!
Thanks again for the straight forward tips. For more efficiency tips check out http://kevinaubreytoday.com as well.
To your Success!
You’re spot on Greg. I think I waste MOST of my work time and it impinges on my leisure time (if I had any). Email is a real distraction and if I’m honest most of it is not going to earn me money or do me any good. Too much stress!
There is always so much to do, my problem is prioritizing. I get frustrated because I start one thing and without finishing that one something else seems to appear that is more important. Yes, I do try jumping the grand canyon instead of jumping the puddle. Thank you for the incentive to change that to become more productive.
My new year might be brighter after reading this post!
Greg, the single biggest problem I have is dealing with everything I have to do in everyday life, house, groceries, yard, car, family, excess paperwork. I hardly have time for my business and that has to be there. Patricia
Hi Greg,
I didn't read your first message on controlling your emails as my inbox was so full I didn't see it, the second one though I read and put the filters into action immediately. Thank you for the advice and it's now an absolute joy to open up my inbox.
Greg:
Great suggestions. I find I keep emails but I than go through them and if I haven't touched them in 2 weeks I delete them. Not perfect but at least I don't get too many emails left. You are absolutely right about the incorrect thinking that everything is important and must be kept. I have learned if I need it I can find it on the internet somewhere.
As for my biggest challenge, it's getting going on a task. Once I begin it never is as ' bad' or taxing as I make it in my mind. I think and think about the task and b/c I don't take action I feel guilty, which in turns makes me procrastinate more about it. Finally, I get to it and wonder why I waited, It wasn't so bad and often I find it takes a fraction of the time I thought it would. That is my biggest stumbling block.
Happy New Year to you!
Deirdre
Hi,
Its got to be email, the biggest challenge, and what's worse is I dont respond to 50% of them and no one even follows up, so why send the email in the first place!!
I would also like to think that hand in hand with the email tsunami is not being disciplined in a daily plan which leads me to the cause, identifying priorities and related time frames, what is a priority for a colleage is not necessarily a priority for me and how much time should I allocate, how many things done in a day is a good day?
Thanks for the great suggestions, I thought I was the only one not going through each email in detail, just not possible – I am going to action some of the changes right away.
Dorian
Biggest challenge – Focus, wait, maybe it’s
something else, no it’s Focus, wait, maybe it’s
something else…
Focus. Hard to focus, so much is going on.