Dear Reader,

When I first started my business, I vowed to have a zero-inbox every single night. I had big plans. I’d conquer my emails with military precision, wrapping up each day with the sweet satisfaction of an empty inbox.

Fast forward to today, and (checks inbox) I’ve got 139 emails sitting there. Somewhere between the spam about “quick cash opportunities” and the follow-ups I swear I’ll get to by the end of day (or end of week?), I realized something: Inbox Zero might not be the productivity gold medal I thought it was.

Why Inbox Zero Is Overrated

First, let’s face it: email is a bottomless pit. The moment you hit zero, more messages flood in. And the pressure to keep it empty? Stressful. There’s always another notification waiting to disrupt your flow.

Worse, the pursuit of Inbox Zero can pull your focus away from what really matters. You spend so much time deleting, filing, and responding that the big stuff, like strategy, creative thinking, or even just breathing, takes a back seat.

Rethinking the Goal: Inbox Clarity

Instead of aiming for an empty inbox, what if we focused on Inbox Clarity?

The idea is simple: manage your inbox in a way that aligns with your priorities, without obsessing over perfection. Because let’s be real, your legacy isn’t going to be measured by how few unread emails you have.

How to Achieve Inbox Clarity Here are a few strategies to try:

1️⃣ The 4D Method: For every email, decide whether to:

2️⃣ Batch Your Emails: Instead of checking emails every five minutes like it’s a nervous tic, set specific times during the day to process your inbox. Morning, midday, and late afternoon work well.

3️⃣ Set Expectations: Tell your colleagues and clients your email response policy. Something like, “I typically respond within 24 hours unless it’s urgent.” This gives you breathing room to focus on deeper work.

Remember: Productivity Is Bigger Than Email

Clearing your inbox doesn’t make you productive. Doing meaningful work does. So give yourself permission to let a few emails marinate in your inbox. (Except maybe the ones from Nigerian Princes promising you $5 million. Please send those to spam immediately.)

What’s your biggest email challenge? Hit reply and let me know. I might share some tailored tips in a future newsletter!

Until next time, here’s to prioritizing what matters most, and leaving the rest for later.

With ease, Tracy

⏰⏰ Tomorrow is the day! Please join me for my free virtual workshop, Manage your time with ease: strategies to boost balance and productivity, Friday Jan 24 at 12pm EST. It’s not too late to register! 📣📣

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I offer 1:1 coaching, group coaching, team facilitation, and public speaking, and tailor offerings to the specific needs of you/your workplace. ​Contact me to learn more​.