Information Overload vs Time Management

Like many people working online, I subscribe to many newsletters, companies and email lists. Every morning the inbox is full of new mail. Information overload. 

When I first began online, I’d start reading each email. Halfway through the message there’s a link to a free report. Following the link would only bring me to an opt-in form. I’d then think twice whether the material was worth checking out. Time is scarce. After filling in the opt-in, I’d need to go back to my email to confirm acceptance. “And,” I start thinking, "do I really want to be on another mailing list?!?"

I also collect downloads. If there is a free report that seems relevant for my needs, I’ll download it. Often, I’d open it up “just to quickly check if the info should be kept or deleted”. But instead, I’d become distracted and end up reading half the report.

All of these activities may not seem too time consuming, but they divert our attention  from the thoughts, frame of mind and timetable that we had set with good intention for the day.

Here’s a time management tip to help overcome these situations.  

Categorize your emails. Unless it really is urgent and needs your immediate attention, simply mark/tag the relevant emails and don’t open them. After a day or two, during a specified time in your day for such an activity, go back and read those emails with a critical eye. What a difference it makes seeing and reading information in hindsight. You’ll find that most of it is actually not relevant.

I’ve found that those emails that I receive from internet marketers once a week or so usually contain the most worthwhile content.

Time management is important when dealing with email overload.

Hope this was useful.

Barbara,

NimdX Admin