Checking emails is a tricky business.  It can engross you completely.  This morning, I went into the computer at 8.45 am to quickly catch up on my emails.  My goal was to be out of the computer by 9 am.  It was not until 10.15 am, when my wife Farzana needed the computer, that I quit.

What is the learning?

• Look at emails during later part of the day when you are a bit tired. Usually you do not need to be super energetic to respond to emails.
• Delete or put in a file entitled "procrastinate", things you do not absolutely need to respond to, or are unimportant stuff.
• Spend more time on really important emails.
• Keep your responses as short as possible.
• Do not look at emails more than two (or maximum three) times a day.
• Look at one email once and decide to delete, transfer to procrastinate or other filing or respond.

The above process will save time in looking for stuff, duplication of effort and catch up.

Any time saved from making the above changes can be used in giving and making a difference.

How about you? How much time do you invest in emails daily? Are you spending the most productive time in emails?