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How To Handle Your Incoming Tasks

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getting organizedFirst think of all the things that come to you each day:

  1. Mail: FedEx, USPS, UPS, DHL, etc
  2. Email
  3. FaceBook
  4. Twitter
  5. Phone Calls
  6. Text Messages
  7. RSS readers
  8. Conversations with family members

How do you handle all of the incoming stuff and all the tasks that this stuff generates?

Imagine this: I had just returned home from the WeBlog Conference to over a dozen packages, hundreds of new FaceBook and Twitter followers, and over 1,000 emails to sift through.  Plus, I had several pages of things that needed doing post-conference!

So, how did I handle it?

  • Step One: I got overly stressed over the amount of work needed doing. 🙂
  • Step Two: I decided to simplify it and write a post on what I did. LOL!
  • Step Three: I grabbed my brand new timer and set it for 10 minutes.  With a notebook and my new favorite pen, I began free-writing or brain dumping all the tasks that popped into my head.
  • Step Four: I set my timer for another 10 minutes, organized my Outlook Inbox by sender instead of my date and began bulk deleting anything I deemed unimportant, junk mail, ads, or newsletters.  That took one inbox from 241 emails down to 91!  I feel better already!

Ways to Handle Your email Inbox:

  • Step Five: With that inbox still by sender, I went through my new Twitter follows to see who I wanted to follow back and my new FaceBook request to approve or ignore them. (approximately another 10 minutes)
  • Step Six: Again, I set my timer – but this time for 15 minutes.  I spent 15 minutes working on a post.  Since I had a few in my drafts folder, I was actually able to complete one and post it in that time frame.
  • Step Seven: Another 15 minutes found me handling and responding to the 91 emails still in my first folder.

An hour down and I have just about handled every email in 1 inbox and posted one post!  I completed this process the entire day and ended up getting all emails handled and about 6 posts scheduled!  Now, I am caught up on blogging and ahead on posts!  This is a great way to catch up the wfmw-300x198overflow to get your life back on track!

Note:  this concept can be used for housework, too!  Timers and breaking tasks into smaller tasks can really help with procrastination!

This post is linked up to Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family.

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Rebecca

Monday 30th of January 2012

Wow! I feel your pain (not entirely), but there are definitely days that I can't actually write on my blog because I'm so busy dealing with the "behind the scenes". Thanks for the post!

DeeAnna

Friday 30th of July 2010

I was in a car accident that left me with a mild brain injury. These are the exact tips my cognitive therapist gave me to make it through my day! The timer really helps to focus my attention. Great tips, and I would cry if my desk looked like the pic!

Beth Reed

Thursday 29th of July 2010

I have awarded you with the Versatile Blogger Award - you can see details here: http://createyourtraditions.blogspot.com/2010/07/i-received-versatile-blogger-award.html. :)

Kelli

Thursday 29th of July 2010

@Beth Reed, WOW! Thank you so much! I always feel so special when I get a reward :-)

couponboa

Wednesday 28th of July 2010

Firstly, thanks for this post. Helpful. I was astonished to see you could reply 91 odd emails within 15 minutes - like a machine! Terrific!

Just my thought, always prepare your set of questions and model replies for emails. This establishes better branding and saves time.

Libby's Library News

Wednesday 28th of July 2010

I find it very liberating to clean out all my emails. Have you heard of Flylady? If not - check her out - great site! www.flylady.net

Kelli

Thursday 29th of July 2010

@Libby's Library News, I have used Flylady in the past, but I get so sick of her reminders that I delete them and then never get anything done. LOL! :-)