What category does Inbox Zero belong to?

Inbox Zero belongs to the "Principles" category in personal knowledge management and productivity.

What are the key topics related to Inbox Zero?

Key topics related to Inbox Zero include: email, organizations, principles, productivity.

What are alternative names for Inbox Zero?

Inbox Zero is also known as: Empty inbox, Inbox management, Zero Inbox.

Inbox Zero

Keeping inboxes empty by processing items to appropriate destinations.

Also known as: Empty inbox, Inbox management, Zero Inbox

Category: Principles

Tags: email, organizations, principles, productivity

Explanation

Inbox Zero is the practice of regularly processing inboxes to empty (or near-empty). The key insight is that inboxes are for receiving, not storing. Each item should be processed to a destination: deleted, delegated, done immediately (if quick), deferred (with a reminder), or filed. The goal isn't zero emails but zero unprocessed items. This principle applies beyond email to any inbox: notes inbox, task inbox, physical inbox. Unprocessed inboxes create stress and hide important items.

Related Concepts

Capture System
Fleeting Notes
Getting Things Done (GTD)
Minimum Viable Productivity Toolkit
Open Loops
Processing Notes

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