Comments on: My 2009 New Year’s Resolution: E-mail http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/02/my-2009-new-years-resolution-e-mail/ Daily tips on how to organize your home and office. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 21:14:39 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: Andrea Cannavina http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/02/my-2009-new-years-resolution-e-mail/comment-page-1/#comment-48379 Andrea Cannavina Mon, 04 Jan 2010 14:25:51 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=3578#comment-48379 If you haven't found a system that works for you yet, take a peek at mine: http://www.legaltypist.com/D-A-F-T I get tons of feedback from those who have tried it - all positive. I personally like it because if you fall off the wagon (which I am guilty of); you can get right back on again. DAFT is like riding a bike, once you know, you know. Thanks! Andrea Cannavina (aka LegalTypist) If you haven’t found a system that works for you yet, take a peek at mine: http://www.legaltypist.com/D-A-F-T

I get tons of feedback from those who have tried it – all positive.

I personally like it because if you fall off the wagon (which I am guilty of); you can get right back on again. DAFT is like riding a bike, once you know, you know.

Thanks!

Andrea Cannavina (aka LegalTypist)

]]> By: K http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/02/my-2009-new-years-resolution-e-mail/comment-page-1/#comment-48355 K Sun, 03 Jan 2010 19:58:57 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=3578#comment-48355 When I will be away from work and email because of vacation, business travel, or even just needing to unplug to get real work done, I set my email reminder to read "Your email could not be delivered. (name) is out of the office until (date). Please re-send the email after (date)." My email system lets me customize vacation notifications depending on the sender, so my boss gets a message that I am away and will address this after (date). Of course, all the emails actually do get delivered, and I quickly skim them to see if there's anything important, but I feel no need to respond to most of them since the sender thinks it was undeliverable. It's revealing to see how few emails are deemed important enough to merit re-sending after my return - makes me realize how trivial most emails really are! Rarely, something of minor importance gets missed, but the alternatives are to never go on vacation, or, upon returning, to spend tens of hours excavating mostly irrelevant emails. I usually set the return date on the vacation notification for one day after I will actually be back at work. It gives me a day to skim the email box and get myself back up and running on the important things, and to deal with anything urgent and important before settling back into the regular routine. It also helps manage people's expectations. If they think I'm back Monday morning, some people are irritated if I don't get back to them till Monday afternoon. But if they think I'm not back till Tuesday, they're thrilled to hear from me Monday afternoon. When I will be away from work and email because of vacation, business travel, or even just needing to unplug to get real work done, I set my email reminder to read “Your email could not be delivered. (name) is out of the office until (date). Please re-send the email after (date).” My email system lets me customize vacation notifications depending on the sender, so my boss gets a message that I am away and will address this after (date). Of course, all the emails actually do get delivered, and I quickly skim them to see if there’s anything important, but I feel no need to respond to most of them since the sender thinks it was undeliverable. It’s revealing to see how few emails are deemed important enough to merit re-sending after my return – makes me realize how trivial most emails really are!

Rarely, something of minor importance gets missed, but the alternatives are to never go on vacation, or, upon returning, to spend tens of hours excavating mostly irrelevant emails.

I usually set the return date on the vacation notification for one day after I will actually be back at work. It gives me a day to skim the email box and get myself back up and running on the important things, and to deal with anything urgent and important before settling back into the regular routine. It also helps manage people’s expectations. If they think I’m back Monday morning, some people are irritated if I don’t get back to them till Monday afternoon. But if they think I’m not back till Tuesday, they’re thrilled to hear from me Monday afternoon.

]]> By: simpleliving_rosemarie http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/02/my-2009-new-years-resolution-e-mail/comment-page-1/#comment-27990 simpleliving_rosemarie Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:04:56 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=3578#comment-27990 My challenge is redoing a whole house after grown children have moved on (http://simplelife-rosemarie.blogspot.com). I am ruthless with email - there's no time to fiddle; it comes in, it goes into a file with a specific subject header or gets tossed. I clear my deleted items every 2 weeks. If I need something later (twice in 5 years), I can always ask for it again. GOOD for you for persevering and finding a system that works for you. My challenge is redoing a whole house after grown children have moved on (http://simplelife-rosemarie.blogspot.com). I am ruthless with email – there’s no time to fiddle; it comes in, it goes into a file with a specific subject header or gets tossed. I clear my deleted items every 2 weeks. If I need something later (twice in 5 years), I can always ask for it again. GOOD for you for persevering and finding a system that works for you.

]]> By: Michele http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/02/my-2009-new-years-resolution-e-mail/comment-page-1/#comment-26261 Michele Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:15:07 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=3578#comment-26261 Good golly, your nana is 99? I'm so sorry she's unwell, but I envy your family's longevity. In my family, people are lucky to even meet their grandparents. My in-laws didn't make it to 60. I think my family's resolutions need to involve commitment to cardiovascular care. Good golly, your nana is 99? I’m so sorry she’s unwell, but I envy your family’s longevity. In my family, people are lucky to even meet their grandparents. My in-laws didn’t make it to 60. I think my family’s resolutions need to involve commitment to cardiovascular care.

]]> By: Diana http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/02/my-2009-new-years-resolution-e-mail/comment-page-1/#comment-26100 Diana Tue, 06 Jan 2009 02:59:31 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=3578#comment-26100 @Alex--I think you can get the same thing by setting a google calendar event. You can set it to remind you via email a specified number of days or weeks beforehand (it's on the right side of the event page). If you need a reminder of what conversation you need to refer to on that day, just put the email title in the info section to remind yourself. That way the email can stay out of your inbox (and mind) until you need to be reminded at that time. Diana @Alex–I think you can get the same thing by setting a google calendar event. You can set it to remind you via email a specified number of days or weeks beforehand (it’s on the right side of the event page).

If you need a reminder of what conversation you need to refer to on that day, just put the email title in the info section to remind yourself. That way the email can stay out of your inbox (and mind) until you need to be reminded at that time.

Diana

]]> By: DKFree http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/02/my-2009-new-years-resolution-e-mail/comment-page-1/#comment-25891 DKFree Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:47:08 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=3578#comment-25891 Regarding containers (1st comment)- throw them all away. Buy 3 sizes- an entrée size that actually fits in your bag that you carry to work; a 1-cup size for snacks and sides, and a condiment size. This leaves you with 3 sizes to stack in the cupboard. Put lids in a bread pan. Regarding containers (1st comment)- throw them all away. Buy 3 sizes- an entrée size that actually fits in your bag that you carry to work; a 1-cup size for snacks and sides, and a condiment size. This leaves you with 3 sizes to stack in the cupboard. Put lids in a bread pan.

]]> By: Danielle http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/02/my-2009-new-years-resolution-e-mail/comment-page-1/#comment-25850 Danielle Sun, 04 Jan 2009 18:08:06 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=3578#comment-25850 My resolution is to get organized. This is my ongoing resolution, but I feel really positive about it this year! Metric is having a place for everything and everything in it's place. Wish me luck! Email-I found "Take Back Your Life" by Sally McGhee to be very helpful. I can't seem to get my outlook to form categories correctly, so I might use a paper format, but basically if an email requires an action, add that to your "to-do" list or calendar. Also, I'm working on writing emails so they include all needed information to reduce the back and forth. Lastly, I'm telling Grandpa to quit sending me forwards!! Plasticware-I have one large container, a vegetable one from Tupperware, and I keep all lids there. I also really like the Stack n Spin. If that fits the size requirements for your situation it can reduce clutter immensely! Lastly, Jackie, I love your resoluion. Have you heard of 411God? It's only 1 minute of scripture, but it's delivered to your phone or email at whatever time you choose. It's been helpful for me to take a quick "snack" on the Bible when I can't seem to find time for a feast! My resolution is to get organized. This is my ongoing resolution, but I feel really positive about it this year! Metric is having a place for everything and everything in it’s place. Wish me luck!

Email-I found “Take Back Your Life” by Sally McGhee to be very helpful. I can’t seem to get my outlook to form categories correctly, so I might use a paper format, but basically if an email requires an action, add that to your “to-do” list or calendar. Also, I’m working on writing emails so they include all needed information to reduce the back and forth. Lastly, I’m telling Grandpa to quit sending me forwards!!

Plasticware-I have one large container, a vegetable one from Tupperware, and I keep all lids there. I also really like the Stack n Spin. If that fits the size requirements for your situation it can reduce clutter immensely!

Lastly, Jackie, I love your resoluion. Have you heard of 411God? It’s only 1 minute of scripture, but it’s delivered to your phone or email at whatever time you choose. It’s been helpful for me to take a quick “snack” on the Bible when I can’t seem to find time for a feast!

]]> By: Jackie http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/02/my-2009-new-years-resolution-e-mail/comment-page-1/#comment-25841 Jackie Sun, 04 Jan 2009 03:28:31 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=3578#comment-25841 My main resolution is to have as minimum 30 min in the morning to pray and read Bible. I think is the change that my entire life needs. My main resolution is to have as minimum 30 min in the morning to pray and read Bible. I think is the change that my entire life needs.

]]> By: inky squid http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/02/my-2009-new-years-resolution-e-mail/comment-page-1/#comment-25840 inky squid Sun, 04 Jan 2009 01:47:59 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=3578#comment-25840 I have a different technique - I chose a lot of goals for 2009 but I made them all pretty simple, with a few week long exceptions: http://theinkysquid.blogspot.com/2009/01/2009-goals.html To me, this approach is less intimidating than regular New Year's resolutions and helps get me started on some new things. I have a different technique – I chose a lot of goals for 2009 but I made them all pretty simple, with a few week long exceptions:

http://theinkysquid.blogspot.c.....goals.html

To me, this approach is less intimidating than regular New Year’s resolutions and helps get me started on some new things.

]]> By: Michele http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/02/my-2009-new-years-resolution-e-mail/comment-page-1/#comment-25835 Michele Sat, 03 Jan 2009 20:36:44 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=3578#comment-25835 I use Gmail and manage with only 1 rule. The rule: I keep my inbox to 50 messages (1 page) or fewer. This is where "pending" issues and unanswered messages stay. After a conversation is done or an issue is resolved, the message or conversation is deleted, or I remove the "Inbox" label from it so I no longer see it on my inbox page. Every few days the inbox gets to the 70 or 80+ range, so then I take a few extra minutes and delete or un-Inbox enough messages to get it back to under 50. I use the Gmail labels as a filing cabinet, which I think is not the way that they're intended conceptually. But when I have more than one page of messages in my inbox, I forget where things are, what things are, and even that I have things to deal with. Since I started with this rule, I find that I drop the ball on far fewer e-mail exchanges than I used to. I also have a better organizational system for finding things like people's contact information, or documents I've sent to people. I use Gmail and manage with only 1 rule. The rule: I keep my inbox to 50 messages (1 page) or fewer. This is where “pending” issues and unanswered messages stay. After a conversation is done or an issue is resolved, the message or conversation is deleted, or I remove the “Inbox” label from it so I no longer see it on my inbox page.

Every few days the inbox gets to the 70 or 80+ range, so then I take a few extra minutes and delete or un-Inbox enough messages to get it back to under 50. I use the Gmail labels as a filing cabinet, which I think is not the way that they’re intended conceptually. But when I have more than one page of messages in my inbox, I forget where things are, what things are, and even that I have things to deal with.

Since I started with this rule, I find that I drop the ball on far fewer e-mail exchanges than I used to. I also have a better organizational system for finding things like people’s contact information, or documents I’ve sent to people.

]]> By: Andrus http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/02/my-2009-new-years-resolution-e-mail/comment-page-1/#comment-25833 Andrus Sat, 03 Jan 2009 18:26:36 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=3578#comment-25833 I'm a big fan of making resolutions throughout the year, not just on New Year's eve. So much so that myself and two friends created http://www.pledgehammer.com on our free time. It provides an easy way to write your resolutions down and share with whoever you want to share them with. It also has a charitable 'flipside' to it - if your resolution doesn't stand it asks you to donate money to charity. So far there are no resolutions related to sorting out email on the site (but there are plenty relating to losing weight, quitting smoking, being more green etc). Would be great to get more people to try Pledgehammer out and hear if it helps to stick to resolutions. I’m a big fan of making resolutions throughout the year, not just on New Year’s eve.

So much so that myself and two friends created http://www.pledgehammer.com on our free time. It provides an easy way to write your resolutions down and share with whoever you want to share them with. It also has a charitable ‘flipside’ to it – if your resolution doesn’t stand it asks you to donate money to charity.

So far there are no resolutions related to sorting out email on the site (but there are plenty relating to losing weight, quitting smoking, being more green etc). Would be great to get more people to try Pledgehammer out and hear if it helps to stick to resolutions.

]]> By: Another Deb http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/02/my-2009-new-years-resolution-e-mail/comment-page-1/#comment-25832 Another Deb Sat, 03 Jan 2009 18:13:17 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=3578#comment-25832 My resolution is to get more sleep this year. The four or five hours a night I have been getting is hurting my mental processing, weight control, and focus. I am also committing to spending an extra 15 minutes on my feet when I get home each night. Once I sit down at the desk, I am highly unlikely to get back up. In that extra time I can lay out my clothes for the next day, wipe down counters, whatever it takes to make the next morning begin well. My resolution is to get more sleep this year. The four or five hours a night I have been getting is hurting my mental processing, weight control, and focus.

I am also committing to spending an extra 15 minutes on my feet when I get home each night. Once I sit down at the desk, I am highly unlikely to get back up. In that extra time I can lay out my clothes for the next day, wipe down counters, whatever it takes to make the next morning begin well.

]]> By: Valerie http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/02/my-2009-new-years-resolution-e-mail/comment-page-1/#comment-25831 Valerie Sat, 03 Jan 2009 17:00:54 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=3578#comment-25831 You said: "I’ll go on vacation or have to be away from my computer for a conference and that is always the point where the system starts to lose its edge." I've read an article recently - unfortunately, I don't remember where - where the woman just announced all e-mails she would receive during her 1 week vacation would be deleted. When she comes back, her inbox is fresh and empty. You don't HAVE TO answer everyone, especially when you are unable to answer right away. You said: “I’ll go on vacation or have to be away from my computer for a conference and that is always the point where the system starts to lose its edge.”

I’ve read an article recently – unfortunately, I don’t remember where – where the woman just announced all e-mails she would receive during her 1 week vacation would be deleted. When she comes back, her inbox is fresh and empty.

You don’t HAVE TO answer everyone, especially when you are unable to answer right away.

]]> By: LisaNewton http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/02/my-2009-new-years-resolution-e-mail/comment-page-1/#comment-25829 LisaNewton Sat, 03 Jan 2009 16:11:05 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=3578#comment-25829 In 2008, my life was dominated by work. In 2009, I have resolved to make work fun again. My new blog is a reflection of that goal. So far, it's going great. I wish you luck with your email goal..............:) In 2008, my life was dominated by work. In 2009, I have resolved to make work fun again. My new blog is a reflection of that goal.

So far, it’s going great.

I wish you luck with your email goal…………..:)

]]> By: Annette http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/02/my-2009-new-years-resolution-e-mail/comment-page-1/#comment-25827 Annette Sat, 03 Jan 2009 06:55:19 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=3578#comment-25827 My clutter is mind clutter from the past. I am apparently going to work on getting rid of outdated thoughts (Mom is in charge of how I feel about food I eat), (Dad is responsible for how I feel about my weight), (Everyone else in the family is more important than I), (I have always been like this so this must be me). We are also decluttering the closets and the book shelves this year. I got the kitchen and pantry done on New Year's Day. My clutter is mind clutter from the past. I am apparently going to work on getting rid of outdated thoughts (Mom is in charge of how I feel about food I eat), (Dad is responsible for how I feel about my weight), (Everyone else in the family is more important than I), (I have always been like this so this must be me). We are also decluttering the closets and the book shelves this year. I got the kitchen and pantry done on New Year’s Day.

]]>