The other day, my manager Sheri Joi and I decided to tackle my email. It has been so hard for me to get through it lately and even my own ‘get it done when you’re depressed ‘ techniques were not helping much. I tried everything to get caught up. And then I had an idea.
What if I simply gave my computer to Sheri Joi and we did the email together – out loud? Sheri really understands my bipolar and knows that it’s quite hard to even sit down on some days- which is why my email can get out of control. She also knows my business really well.
So, I passed on my email and said, “Let’s get this done!’
She looked at my inbox and said, “Julie!! Julie!! You have 865 email in your inbox!”
Well, no wonder I couldn’t get it all answered. The problem is that the 865 email are all real- I have looked over each one of them- they are business oriented and have to be looked at. I get about 50 email a day- and if you have a bad depression day for example, you can see how the non ASAP emails would not get answered. I answer my coaching email, work email from editors, and any other appointment emails as soon as possible, but so much is left that still needs to be addressed.
Sheri and I did my email out loud for three hours. We went through over 600 email!!!! No kidding.
And I was able to use so many of my tools: put yourself in a place you can work – ask for help- don’t worry about something do something. All of my tips! Thanks to the help of Sheri Joi.
If you have something to do that looks like a mountain of work- it’s fine to turn it over to someone else and do it together.
Now I just have to get through the 200+ email that are left. 🙂
March 15th, 2011 is now the official: International Clear Out Your Email Inbox Day!
Julie
