If you’re like a lot of people, you’ve probably searched Google for something along the lines of “what are the best practices to organize my emails?” or “how to organize my inbox” and then became overwhelmed with the myriad opinions on what platform is best (spoiler alert: there isn’t one best email platform), or whether that list of twenty steps is superior to the one with ten.

Let me tell you…neither of those massive lists are better than the other. And if I’m being even more honest, that seems more complicated than it needs to be.

There’s no need to muddy the issue. That’s why I’ve compiled three simple steps that’ll set you on the right path:

1. Pick a System/Workflow

The first thing we need to remember is that professionals who’ve been doing their jobs for years, decades even, have their own systems in place that they follow. They don’t reinvent the wheel every time they start a new case or create a new project. There’s a specific methodology they follow because it ensures they dot their i’s and cross their t’s.

Therefore, when you discover the proper workflow for email management, until you get to the point of mastery, there’s no need to experiment with other processes. By sticking to a system that works, like the ARTT system, you’ll eliminate some of the guesswork, and ensure you don’t waste any precious time. 

2. Follow Through

I can’t stress this enough. When you find something that works…don’t. reinvent. the. wheel.

Particularly when you’re starting something new, if you deviate from the path laid out before you, you’ll find yourself making the same mistakes you used to make – and sometimes new mistakes you wouldn’t have made previously – because old habits will find their way back into your workflow if you aren’t diligent about your practice.

They say it requires at least 21 days to form a new habit. So when you discover a process that seems like it’ll work, give yourself 3 weeks before changing course. 

Further, don’t adjust a step laid out for you because it seems like you found a shortcut. Make sure this new habit sticks first, and then you can play around with that process because you’ll be in a better position to pinpoint where things go astray.

3. Repeat

The thing about learning something new is this: sometimes the new thing isn’t right for you. That happens! But knowing what does and doesn’t work for you requires you to give it the ol’ college try. 

But if that process or methodology doesn’t fit with your style of work, you need to go back to the beginning and start this process all over again. Find something else that seems like a reliable alternative. A good way to go about this is to search for courses or processes that’ve been known to work for a large number of people, like ARTT, and see if it works for you, too.

Then, when you discover that new thing, repeat that new process every day for at least 3 weeks, and then determine if your workflow is improved or hindered by this new approach.

If it works, great! Keep repeating it, because you learned you work better under this system.

If not, repeat the entire process from the beginning, and keep doing so until you find the methods that work for you and your style of work.

Bonus Tip: sometimes a few steps of one workflow work for you, but other steps don’t. That’s okay! Be sure to put those in your back pocket, and maybe incorporate them into your new system after your next set of 21 days is up. 

What Next?

I know it can be daunting to take on a brand new…well, anything! That’s why I want to ensure your questions are answered and that you can get a little taste of the ARTT System before diving into the deep end.

Therefore, I’m offering you a free 45-minute webinar that’ll help you learn how to feel in control of your inbox, be more responsive to important collaborators, and reduce your anxiety and stress. Tame the Email Beast!

Register for your favorite date today and I look forward to having you at the program.