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August 04, 2006
When is the right time to process?
I was reminded today by a seminar participant of a great tip on processing: she said she only looks at her email at a time when she can actually do something about it. She has found, and I would strongly concur, that looking at email when she doesn't have time to really process what's come in only creates frustration--or what GTD would call "open loops." She waits until she has time (even 10 minutes) to actually give what she's looking at proper attention to handle it.
The flip side of this--as tempting as it is-- is opening email and closing it (or even marking it unread!) because you realize you've got to dash off to the next meeting and don't have time to DO the thing the email wants you too. But then that email hangs over you like a cloud because it feels undone. Problem is, a part of you hasn't forgotten that email. It's like you've made an investment in focus and attention. As long as a piece of your focus and attention is in that email it can pull you away from being fully focused on what you're doing. You're mind is trying to close the loop because it's still chewing on what you would have done or decided about it.
Deciding a next action can be as powerful as taking the action. The amazing thing about deciding is that it temporarily closes the loop so your mind can let go of it. What often causes stress is stuff left undone and undecided. Try it with your email Inbox. Next time you're checking email and are tempted to close it and come back to it, ask yourself, "what's my next action?" Then park that email and/or reminder about your action in a place you trust. THEN dash off to that meeting and see if it makes a difference in your focus.
Two keys I would suggest out of this:
1. Process your "stuff" when you've got the time to make decisions and process it.
2. Deciding a next action is as powerful in closing a loop and reducing stress as finishing the action.
Enjoy your weekend!
Posted by Kelly at August 4, 2006 06:50 PM
