Our time with GC Member Mike Vardy was a powerful reminder that managing our inbox is really about managing our attention. Mike shared practical strategies for taking control of email through intentional decisions, time-based organization, and his simple Sort, Sweep, and Settle approach. Together, we explored how creating clear timing for messages, reducing distractions, and focusing on what truly deserves our attention can bring greater clarity and calm to our workdays.

A special thank you to our co-host, Garland Coulson, for helping create such an engaging space for learning and connection. This session beautifully reinforced that when we become more intentional with our time and attention, we create more space to focus on what matters most and make a greater impact.

🌟Mike Vardy shared:

• Your inbox is not your to-do list. Email often contains tasks and requests from other people that compete for your attention.
• The goal is not Inbox Zero, but learning how to manage incoming email so it does not constantly distract you.
• Make a quick decision for every message: when does this deserve your attention? Decide in about 10 seconds whenever possible.
• Organize emails by when you will handle them, rather than only by who sent them or what topic they concern.
• Three-step workflow is Sort, Sweep, and Settle: decide where emails belong, process what remains, and handle messages when their assigned time arrives.
• Create simple time-based folders such as Today, Wednesday, Friday, or This Week so every important email has a clear place and timing.
• Use active Follow-Up folders instead of passive “Waiting” folders to encourage action and keep relationships or tasks moving forward.
• Avoid constantly checking your inbox. Mike recommends checking email at designated times so it does not interrupt focused work throughout the day.
• Work through older emails first and archive messages that are no longer relevant. The first-in, first-out approach prevents old messages from being forgotten.
• The ultimate goal is to reclaim your attention and time by making clear decisions about email instead of allowing your inbox to control your day.

🌟 What others said about the event:

• I never realized how much my inbox was controlling my attention.
• The Sort, Sweep, and Settle method is so practical.
• I love the idea of organizing emails by when I’ll handle them.
• This gave me a much healthier perspective on Inbox Zero.
• I’m inspired to create a simple email system I can actually stick to.
• I always love GC events
• New way to structure inbox
• Good information, good connections.
• Love the learning, the intros and the grand ask for help. Great format!
• Thanks very much. Very helpful

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