Many of us get way more emails than we could ever read. To retain some sanity, I use a simple process to manage my inbox.

Each email received has three options:
* Read later or requires action – stay in inbox until done, then archive
* Not interested – archive. If from a list no longer gives me joy, unsubscribe
* Spam that got through filter – send to junk folder

In the past, I deleted some emails. I then realized it was a waste of decision-making. Archive is nearly the same thing; out of sight, out of mind. I used folders at one point, but realized most folders were black holes. Once the email went into a folder, it would not be seen again.

The simplicity of my current system feels great. Unread email still builds up over time, but pruning is simple. Important emails stay in the inbox. When in doubt, archive.

What do you do to make email work for you?