Drowning in Emails? These 3 Steps Will Get You to Inbox Zero Today
Free yourself from inbox overload with these time-saving email strategies.
Emails piling up can feel like a tidal wave—constant, overwhelming, and never-ending.
As a busy parent or solopreneur, the idea of hitting Inbox Zero may seem impossible whether you have 3 unread emails like the above picture, or 3,000.
You’ve got work emails, personal ones, promotional junk, and even that one email from your child’s teacher you’ve been meaning to respond to.
It adds up fast.
But what if a few simple strategies could give you back control and, more importantly, free up time for what matters most?
I’ve been there, and I’ve found that Inbox Zero isn’t just a dream—it’s achievable with the right approach. How do I know? I was able to get my inbox down to 0 from the thousands.
The key is making sure your email inbox doesn’t become someone else’s task list.
Emails Everywhere, Time for You Nowhere
We’ve all been there—opening your inbox to hundreds of unread messages.
Promotions, reminders, newsletters, and buried somewhere in there is that message from school you can’t afford to miss.
It’s not just about the unread emails; it’s about the mounting stress that comes with them.
It’s the feeling of losing control over one small corner of your life, and the weight of that chaos follows you into your day-to-day routines.
Why Email Overwhelm Steals More Than Time
Email overload doesn’t just clutter your inbox; it clutters your mind.
Whenever you think about the unread messages, it distracts you from what matters.
You’re in the middle of playing with your kids, but your brain is stuck on that one work email you forgot to answer.
And it’s not just time that slips away—it’s your ability to be fully present in those important moments.
3 Steps to Inbox Zero and More Free Time
The “Email Purge” Clean-Up
Sometimes, to move forward, you have to start fresh. That’s where the Email Purge comes in.Set aside just 30 minutes to archive or delete the clutter that’s weighing you down. You’ll quickly find that most of it isn’t worth your time.
Think of it like cleaning out your closet—it’s tough at first, but once you get rid of the unnecessary, you can finally breathe easier.
"Today, Later, Never" Folder System
Now that you’ve cleared the clutter, it’s time to get organized.Every email you receive goes into one of three folders: Today (urgent), Later (can wait), or Never (irrelevant). This system prevents future overload and gives you clarity on what needs your attention.
It’s like triaging your inbox—no more wasted time sorting through everything all at once.
Scheduled Email Check-Ins
One of the biggest time wasters is the constant urge to check your inbox.Instead, set specific times during the day to handle email—perhaps in the morning, at lunch, and after the kids are asleep.
You’ll be amazed at how much more focused and productive you can be when email isn’t constantly pulling you away from more important things.
Take the first step toward Inbox Zero today.
Start with the Email Purge, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly the clutter disappears. You deserve more time for what truly matters—time with your family, time for yourself, and time to finally feel like you’re in control of your day.
Don’t wait. Give yourself the gift of a clear inbox and a clearer mind.
Have you been able to achieve Inbox Zero? What’s worked for you? Be sure to leave a comment!
When you’re ready, be sure to check out this deep dive guide with additional information available for paid subscribers:
The Ultimate Guide to Automating Your Inbox Zero System
Does your inbox feel like it’s constantly out of control?
Additional Resources
SaneBox is a great way to start clearing out your email inbox. I’ve partnered up with them to get my readers a 14-day free trial and you can also get a 1 on 1 coaching session to help get you up and running!
Second Brain guru Tiago Forte also has some great resources as well for getting to Inbox Zero and was one of my sources of inspiration for finally cleaning up my inbox.
Also as a bonus for paid members, I have been tinkering around with the idea of additional coaching when it comes to getting to inbox zero.
Is this something you would consider? If so, what would be your preference? A one-off PDF purchase with additional tips? A paid members-only post? A paid members chat?
If you could take a second to respond to the poll below or fill out a comment, I would be most appreciative!
If you feel others could benefit from getting to Inbox Zero, please feel free to hit the Share button!
Have a great rest of the weekend everyone!
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What Else I’m Stacking
A great way you can build up a following on Substack or elsewhere is through email challenges! Be sure to give this a read from Jamie!
This post from Chris really resonated with me. As creators, we often wonder how we can be the change we wish to see in the world, and sometimes it’s a matter of just starting.
The Soul Boom Dispatch from Rainn Wilson (of The Office fame), has become one of my favorite newsletters on Substack. This quick sub-newsletter from Jeff Kober offers a great challenge when it comes to love this week:
I enjoyed this post from
on ’s Substack about sharing vulnerability on here. I think a lot of us struggle with finding that balance of sharing more of ourselves, to help show authenticity, but also how to provide value as well in our content. Great read.