Inbox Zero: why I get more done

Sparrow is an iPhone mail app also available on the Mac that tells you when you are at zero.Inspired by Peter Bregman's article on email practices this is the fifth day of inbox zero for me. When reading about how to deal with electronic mail the world seems to be divided on whether to keep it empty or let it pile up and over but not be worried by it.

Until Friday my inbox was sitting at around 300 which is not as high as some people I know. They have literally thousands. Since keeping it empty I've enjoyed the following experiences:-

1. A feeling of being more in control.

2. Because I like the state of empty so much I am not just checking but dealing with it eg archiving, replying, deleting or adding to my to do list.

3. When I do check email more than I should be (I'd prefer to just go in there 3 times a day) it is possible that there is nothing there - this gives me an enormous sense of encouragement to look at my to do list and work on my projects.

4. Because of number 3, I am therefore getting more done both professionally and personally and feeling a sense of accomplishment.

5. Aside from feeling in control and more accomplished I am feeling less fear and anxiety about what is lurking in my inbox about to bite me.

I think that having an empty inbox is a bit like having a tidy bedroom. What's the state of your inbox/sleeping place right now?