Today's Brass Ring Daily: You vs. Your Email
Hi friends,
The other day I was feeling overwhelmed, not by the work I was doing, but by simply thinking about the work I had to do. That’s when the overwhelm happens, right? In the gaps between making, creating, writing, x-ing.
So I decided to cope by cleaning my inbox. How frivolous and seemingly productive! Now, this wasn’t even my actual inbox, but rather emails from websites, list servs, and job boards. The digital equivalent of opening a dumpster and taking a swim.
And as I clicked through 4,000+ emails, I wrote a list called Things Vying for My Attention. Here’s the buffet: food + restaurant news; entertainment news; theater news + openings; Brooklyn business news; running + fitness news; new music releases; travel + hotel news; advertising news; job leads + postings; business, entrepreneur + thought leader rumblings; tech + social media news; book releases; screenwriting + playwriting contests. (This doesn’t include “real” or political news, which I opt in to by going to NYT, WSJ, etc., or any social media.)
Switching between each topic was even more overwhelming. “Good story idea!” “I need to send this to so-and-so!” Fifty tabs sprung up like spring crocuses.
And, I told myself, I need to keep up so I can pitch stories and stay current and…and…and…
Actually, do I? Do you?
I deleted all 4,000+ emails and am not looking back.
On Mondays, let’s go on the offense.
You choose to create.
You choose to drown out the noise.
You choose what gets your attention.
"No negotiations." Works like magic for whatever internal debate you’re having right now.
Here is my new literal brass ring snagged from Tessa at @papertrailvintage. Every time I wear it I'm counting on a big idea. Support her shop! It's a great one.
Thank you for reading (and for your attention).
Love, Kara