Q:

Dear Valorie

I feel overwhelmed by my email inbox. As of right this minute, there are 3,489 emails in my inbox. How can I ever get it cleared out? Should I just accept that I will always have a backlog of email? I hate this nagging feeling that there is always more to read, and that I can never get caught up.

A:

I can relate to your dilemma. I remember a time when I had about 4,000 emails in my inbox – and I knew some of them were messages that I should not delete. I was less productive and more stressed because that huge number popped up every time I logged into my email. I set aside three hours one afternoon to look for the handful of messages that I needed to save (about 1% of the total messages) and I deleted the rest. It felt good! J There have been times, however, when I advocate simply pressing delete and starting fresh without any sorting. You know what will work best for you. If there are critical messages buried in your inbox, set aside a block of time with a specific goal. For example, a focused goal could be to find the critical messages you will keep and delete all others without trying to read them.

It may feel a bit odd at first to delete without reading, but just imagine how much time it would take you to read the nearly 3,500 messages in your inbox! It’s too overwhelming, so give yourself permission to delete liberally. Trust that any information that you absolutely need will reappear – whether someone brings it to your attention or you need to just ask for it again. The feeling of a clear inbox is worth it!

Warm wishes,

Valorie

Valorie Burton, a life coach and speaker, is the author of Listen to Your Life, Rich Minds, Rich Rewards, What's Really Holding You Back?, Why Not You? and her latest, How Did I Get So Busy? The 28-Day Plan to Free Your Time, Reclaim Your Schedule and Reconnect with What Matters Most. Subscribe to her FREE, inspirational e-newsletter at www.valorieburton.com.