Emails: 4-Week Plan
Inbox Clean-Out
An overflowing inbox is like digital noise—it drains your focus and energy. Let’s simplify your email game and get you back in control. Here’s how to reach Inbox Zero.
Week 1: Unsubscribe Ruthlessly
Look at the newsletters, promotions, and subscriptions filling up your inbox.
Unsubscribe from anything you haven’t read in the past 10 days—if it mattered, you would have opened it by now.
Tip: If you can’t remember the last time you opened an email from them, it’s time to let go.
Week 2: Create Folders a.k.a. “Labels”
Organize your inbox by creating folders (a.k.a. “labels”) for categories like:
“Work”
“Receipts”
“Kids’ School”
Tip: Only store active emails in your inbox—archive everything else.
Week 3: Use “Filters” to Sort Automatically
Set up rules to automatically sort certain emails into designated folders.
Promotional offers (that you’re likely to use)
Newsletters (that you actually read)
Anything that isn’t time-sensitive and can be checked when it’s convenient for you.
Tip: This reduces distractions. The fewer distractions you have, the easier it is to stay on top of important tasks.
Week 4: Set a Daily Email Routine
Limit email checks to 2-3 times a day, such as morning, lunch, and evening.
Start each session with a quick scan:
Delete junk.
Flag important messages that need action.
File the rest (into email folders/labels).
Practice replying to emails in a clear, concise manner. Keep replies clear and to the point and archive emails after they’re handled.
Save time for you—and for the person on the other end.
Tip: A focused email routine saves time and keeps your inbox under control.
Set aside time once a month to clean out old emails. Delete what you no longer need and review folders to keep them tidy.
