First tip:
You ABSOLUTELY must have a system.
I don’t care if it is three files or 43 files, you need a system, one that works the way your brain works. Note how you naturally sort things, on your desk, in your car, in your wallet. You can adapt your natural style to an email filing system, because if it’s not naturally your style, you won’t do it, and then we are back to you not having a system!
Ok great. You have that system in mind? Keep it there.
Second tip:
Build some files. You know the ones you get to name them? Yeah those. Name them according to the system you noticed you use in real life. Yeah, pile one, pile two and pile three don’t count.
You can use:
- Completed
- Pending action
- Awaiting reply
That is a fairly simple system, but it works and keeps you from searching your inbox constantly for that one message.
Final tip:
Use the system you built. Tweak it as you go so that it flows with your style. Touch that email as little as possible, open it, read it, take action on it and file it all in the same motion.
You got this. Go out and be productive!
Send me an email if you want to chat about how to integrate this into your specific career.