The relentless tide of emails can feel overwhelming, a constant source of stress in modern life. We crave control, a system to tame the inbox chaos, but often find ourselves lost in a cycle of searching for the “perfect” solution – adding more burden to an already frustrating task.
There’s a surprisingly simple approach, born from the mind of the late Tony Hsieh, former CEO of Zappos, called “yesterbox.” It’s a method designed to alleviate the guilt and anxiety that builds with an overflowing inbox, and it’s remarkably effective.
The core idea is elegantly straightforward: dedicate your email time to processing only the messages you received *yesterday*. It’s a focused, finite task, a deliberate step away from the endless pursuit of “inbox zero” – a goal Hsieh himself deemed nearly impossible.
Email, by its very nature, is a conversation. Every reply generates more replies, creating a continuous loop. Trying to keep up with the present moment is a losing battle because the present is constantly shifting. Yesterday, however, is fixed, a manageable quantity.
Begin by scheduling a specific time each day for email processing, ideally in the morning. This prevents urgent matters from yesterday from being overlooked. Consider “timeboxing” – dedicating a set block of time, perhaps 30 minutes, to this task.
Hsieh himself allocated three hours, but realistically assess your own workload. Experiment with time management techniques like the 3-3-3 or 1-3-5 methods to determine how long email truly demands. This initial effort will pay dividends in long-term efficiency.
During your designated time, focus exclusively on emails from the previous day. First, quickly identify those requiring substantial effort – lengthy responses or attachments. Star them or move them to a separate folder for later attention.
Prioritize the quick wins: emails that need simple replies or no response at all. This is a form of the “two-touch” email method, but specifically applied to yesterday’s messages. Clear these out before tackling the more complex items.
Once you’ve addressed yesterday’s inbox, resist the urge to peek at anything newer. The key is discipline. Wait until your scheduled time tomorrow to repeat the process. This creates a defined, achievable to-do list.
This system ensures nothing falls through the cracks, providing a sense of control and reducing the feeling of being perpetually behind. The only exception is truly urgent, time-sensitive emails requiring immediate attention.
For these critical communications, add the sender to a priority list to ensure notifications are received. Encourage them to use clear, identifiable subject lines. Beyond these exceptions, maintain your focus on yesterday’s inbox.
