Protecting Productivity by Minimizing Email

I batch my emails and limit how often I checkin.

Why?

First, it's more productive. Unchecked, email is a massive distraction.
Second, I prioritize human interactions. When I meet in person with someone, I'm largely unreachable by others.

I know your email is important. I want to read it. Unfortanately, it's mixed among the constant noise and choas coming from every direction.

Limiting exposure to email (and most digital communication) allows me to be more present in daily life.

• What message does it send to present company when you keep checking your phone?
• How disruptive is the constant buzzing in your pocket or on your desk?
• How does it make you feel when others check their phone when they are with you?
• How often are we in groups of people only to look around and see everyone staring at a screen?

These questions prompted a shift in my behavior that continues to intensify. It’s led to disabling push notifications on my phone and scheduling do-not-disturb mode outside of 10am-5pm.

In short, the human in front of me gets more attention than the machine in my pocket.

Whether you’re looking to be more productive, enrich in-person interactions, or just want to invite a little more peace into your life… try it out. Here is my current postscript to get you started. Copy and paste it exactly or create your own.

Below the signature on every email. FYI… I use email differently. Prioritizing human interactions, I only check email twice a day and don’t have notifications enabled. I do however, work to clear my inbox at least once each day.

Namaste.

PS. Liberating yourself from the email inbox will inspire others to do the same. Pass it along.