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The four stages of zero
Achieving emptiness (in an inbox, todo list, or other bitstream) is a great thing. But like any significant change, it takes some getting used to.
Thus, the "four stages of zero." With his permission I'm quoting Kevin King, SVP & General Manager of Zingy.com, who read Bit Literacy and started practicing the method four weeks ago. This is his mini-diary of his experience:
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Week 1: An empty inbox is a little unsettling - what am I supposed to do?
By end of week, spending an exorbitant amount of time starring at my to-do list rather than inbox.
Week 2: Very liberating and feels great. Email is no longer a time issue and I'm cranking on things (in my opinion).
Week 3: To-do list is getting very long and a little unmanageable. Realizing that have lots of things to do that aren't that much 'fun.'
Week 4: Attacking to-do list with vigor and inspired just to get them off the list, even if the task is so-so.
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And thus at the fourth stage, he's not only accustomed to emptiness - he demands it, even if it means getting things done that he otherwise would avoid. This is the productivity that Bit Literacy brings.
I'm driven by keeping my Inbox cleared. If it's un-important, unrelated, SPAM, personal, or just general, once it's read, it's immediately deleted.
If it's important, contains reference(s), needed answers/responses, CYA, etc. it will get filed after I've read it and crossed the item/issue of of my "to-do" list. It's either filed under the person's name who I'm in communication with and/or by project.
And that, my friends, is how to keep you Inbox on the empty side. That and not letting the task get ahead of you. :)
Attended Mark's booksigning in NYC which kick started my bit literacy conversion. As a novice zero-bit practioner, I am suffering the pain of a growing to do list, but experiencing some mastery in the art of the quick action item. Next, must read the to-do list chapter.
Responsible for internal communications on the job, I will also share my experiences on our intranet ... might even risk of grave sin emailing them an enticing link!