The power (for me) of Inbox Zero

When I used to have a desk, I had this thing where I couldn’t sit down and focus on anything of substance unless my desk was clean. It was like there was this nagging voice telling me that I couldn’t possibly work when there was a mess around me that I could easily clean up.

I realized recently that this same nagging voice also comes from my email inbox. I am so much more productive when I’ve cleaned out my inbox. This is probably why I find it so empowering to get up super early (4:50am these days.) 

Contrary to just about every “how to get things done” and “how to be more productive” article you can find, I like to start my day with email right out of the gates. Most mornings by about 5:15am I am back down to inbox zero, and that allows me to have an hour or two of time to get work done.

What is your process for allowing yourself to be as productive as possible?