Email Overload

[Dave Edwards]

While we know that 'Inbox Zero" is the goal, we all get overwhelmed by email from time to time. I asked David Allen for his advice on what to do if we are sinking behind the tidal wave of email. Here's what he had to say.

Dave

 

[Stefan Godo]

thanks for sharing.

imho, inbox zero is not the goal, it is a symptom of a well kept system.

I like instead "Zero Attention Inbox" = not necessarily zero, but I can get it there anytie = it does not need to have my (excessive) attention.

 

[gtd solo-studente]

thanks for sharing.

imho, inbox zero is not the goal, it is a symptom of a well kept system.

I like instead "Zero Attention Inbox" = not necessarily zero, but I can get it there anytie = it does not need to have my (excessive) attention.

@Stefan Godo

Interesting perspective

With all due respect, on this end, 'attention pulling' is 'always' significant even when insignificant since it can potentially sabotage/undermine that which is significant, i.e., consequential and therefore also means 'priorities' are inconsequential relative to life's system(s) on this end

As you see GTD fit. . . .

 

[Stefan Godo]

@Stefan Godo

Interesting perspective

With all due respect, on this end, 'attention pulling' is 'always' significant even when insignificant since it can potentially sabotage/undermine that which is significant, i.e., consequential and therefore also means 'priorities' are inconsequential relative to life's system(s) on this end

As you see GTD fit. . . .

yes, "excessive" was a bit of provocation here, sorry.

I know that at the moment I have 12 unread emails in one inbox, and about 20 in another (I just checked), but I do not care - because I know that during the next day or two, I will clean them up (including anything which comes in in the meantime).
= I do not have a zero inbox, but I have "zero attention inbox".
for this I needed 12 seconds

 

[gtd solo-studente]

yes, "excessive" was a bit of provocation here, sorry.

I know that at the moment I have 12 unread emails in one inbox, and about 20 in another (I just checked), but I do not care - because I know that during the next day or two, I will clean them up (including anything which comes in in the meantime).
= I do not have a zero inbox, but I have "zero attention inbox".
for this I needed 12 seconds

@Stefan Godo

On this end, "zero attention inbox" is a valid and very astute, healthy, subtle, and worthy GTD distinction(s)

While empty is a good GTD standard, we are all doing as much one can reasonably muster for 'Mind Like Water'

Hopefully others will also appreciatively heed your good GTD observation in extending themselves some extra kind GTD space

After all, one doesn't create a GTD system for punishing purposes ?

Thank you very GTD much

As you see GTD fit. . . .