Subtitled: Folders, Folders, Folders
I try to keep my inbox to 10 or less messages. And I have another folder called “Action Needed” which I keep to under 35 messages (It’s a struggle). So I have LOTS of folders (several hundred, I’m sure). They are hierarchal organization, with 10-15 top level folders and nested 2-3 layers deep.
Here is my ‘method’.
1. I try to leave messages in my inbox for less than a day. Then I move them to “Action Needed” because they obviously are not going to get immediate response.
2. I go through “Action Needed” at least three times a week, filing as many messages as possible, acting on some and, occasionally, moving one back to my Inbox.
3. I’ll make active use of the “Favorites” area, moving shortcuts to folders in and out of this region as projects become active and inactive. Most project folders are in Favorites for a few months at the most.
4. And, again, I make extensive use of folders for storing
5. When I send a message I’ll move it to the appropriate folder immediately.
The real trick: Staying on top of your messages – keep your inbox lean.
