Email Management Part 1 of 4

Yesterday's "Inbox Zero" or "Inbox by the 100s or 100s" sparked great conversations.

Although I tend toward "Inbox Zero," the tips I'll talk about this week can be applied more broadly.

The goal: to help others feel like they manage their email--not the other way around.

And remember: I am not you. You know what works best for you. Experiment. Find what works. Finesse it over time. Repeat.

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First step: Decide when you want to check your email.

📨 Twice a day (to open and close your day)?

📨 Thrice daily (to open and close your day, as well as mid-day)?

📨 As you go?

The last option is sometimes inevitable, but building a habit around really digging into emails only twice or three times daily can free up time in your day and space in your brain.

Second step: If notifications trigger you, interrupting your work, and making you feel compelled to check email all day every day:

TURN THEM OFF.

About six months into #BigLaw, I turned off all Outlook notifications.

Why?

I wasn't getting anything done other than checking email.

I'd be in a partner's office, hear their email chime, and flinch.

I compulsively checked my phone for that little red number.

So, all notifications went bye, bye.

I am not any less responsive because of it.

But I am a much happier person.

To recap today's plan:

📩 Decide when you want to check your emails and start building that habit;

📩 Check-in with yourself re: notifications. If they're a problem, turn them off.

More tomorrow.

#lawyerwellebeing #professionalwomen #legalissues