Take Care of Messages at Once

For a maximum of efficiency and productivity (and a maximum of spare time) try to finish dealing with every new message the moment you see it first if this is at all possible:

Take Care of Messages at Once

• Read it.
• Reply to it.
• File it.

If you think you cannot deal with a message at this time, do not open it. If you read a message but do not take care of it you will have to read it again when you do have the time to deal with it.

Set Your Mind to Work on Tough Problems in the Background

At the same time, some messages may be worth looking at. If the problem they will reveal seems like a complicated one, having it presented to your mind and then getting same mind to work on other things is a proven and easy way to creative solutions later — when you need them.