Are you a multitasking junkie, like me?
I have to say, that I am a recovering (multitasking)junkie myself…I’m in a twelve step program. I had the mentality that being a multitasker was a strength, but in reality, it’s a weakness.
I was reading a post over at productive flourishing about not checking your e-mail, and it made me think about my bad habit. I realized that I had a compulsive need to check my e-mail, and I realized the reason why. In my case it’s generally an excuse, not to do, what I should be doing.
Actually, while I’m writing this I’m tempted to relapse and check my mail…but I must remain strong.
As I mentioned in an earlier post, the internet is a playground for procrastinators. One quick check of the e-mail quickly leads us on wild goose chases around the web. They call it “the web” for a reason, once you get trapped, it’s hard to get out…you’ve been on one of these trips right?
Yes, there are times when e-mails need immediate attention, or we’re waiting for vital information. Generally, there isn’t any urgency…at least real urgency.
I came up with a couple quick tips that I’ve used to help me with my affliction.
1. Set up folders
I’m not going to get into all the details of how to do this, I just want to give you the general idea.
The first thing that I did was, set up folders in my e-mail client. At work I use Microsoft Outlook, but most e-mail software will allow you to do this.
I created the folders, customers, vendors, personal, etc. then I set rules for all my contacts. What this does is, send emails to their designated folder when they come in. Certain folders get a higher priority, so I might check those more often then others. This has helped me prioritize my time by not being distracted by non urgent communication.
2. Set up an alert
Alright, before you productivity experts start grumbling, I’m talking about a custom alert. We know that we want to turn off the e-mail alerts for all our mail, because that’s a good way to get distracted.
When we have an e-mail that we are waiting for, we usually know who it’s coming from. Most e-mail programs will allow you to set up custom alerts for a single e-mail addresses. Instead of checking our e-mail every two and half minutes, just continue with the task at hand. When that important e-mail arrives, you will be notified…”yes, I won the lottery again!”
Does you e-mail get you distracted? How did you kick the habit?
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Hello, my name is Julie and I am an email junkie.
It’s true. I will often check my email just to get out of doing a task I’m not enjoying. I can get quite perturbed when there isn’t anything interesting enough to entertain me.
Thanks for the tips, I’ll try them.
Hi Julie, How long has it been since you checked? It’s been 2 hours for my self.
Let me know if they help.
Oh gosh. I have dual monitors at work, and today I kept the right one full of nothing but my email client so I wouldn’t miss a thing! Your idea about the custom alert is great, because otherwise there is NO WAY I could go even an hour without checking. And yes, I definitely use email to keep from moving on to tasks I don’t want to do!
.-= cb´s last blog ..Instant Messaging and the Introvert =-.
A friend of mine uses a technique with her voice mail that I think would work for email.
Every day she records a new message stating when she will be returning calls that day. She also request that you provide as much detail as possible so that she can be prepared.
I think that if the e-mail ever got out of control you could easily adapt her technique. You can easily set up an auto responder.
Those are all great ideas! Thanks
I’m actually sitting here with my email open in another window trying really hard to refrain from checking it, haha! I have at least three email accounts and, seriously, I think it’s out of control! I think you guys probably know what I mean. I have one for junk stuff (I rarely ever check it), one for blogging, and one for everything else. I think I need to reevaluate how many I actually need.
.-= Charly´s last blog ..Trust Guard: Build a Relationship of Trust With Your Clients =-.