5 Tips for Managing Information Overload in Your Inbox

July 31, 2008 · Filed Under Time Management · Comment

As an entrepreneur in today’s fast paced business world, you find yourself facing it sooner or later – Information Overload. In order to keep up with the ever evolving business model, new information is always sought and information overload becomes the daily grind.

So, how do you keep that steady information stream from becoming overwhelming? Simply put, you must manage the information as it comes in. It’s like the game Tetris. In the beginning you’re doing well keeping the decks cleared. As the pieces fall, you turn and twist them, line them up and clear the row. Then as the clock ticks, speed begins to build, first one layer builds, then another and another. There are gaping holes that you suddenly can’t fill. You start to scramble, shoving pieces here and there, no longer thinking about the flow and alignment. Before you know it – GAME OVER.

Your e-mail inbox can sometimes resemble a Tetris grid. Important emails are starting to pile up, eventually lost in a long stack as new ones fall on top. Emails are pushed into folders with no systems in place for follow-up, archiving or review. You are no longer managing your inbox, it’s managing you.