Definition

The practice of keeping your email inbox empty or nearly empty at all times, achieving temporary peace of mind before the next email arrives 30 seconds later. A Sisyphean task disguised as productivity.

Example Usage

I achieved inbox zero for exactly four minutes this morning before leadership announced another reorganization via mass email.

Origin

Coined by productivity expert Merlin Mann in 2006

Fun Fact

Studies show people who maintain inbox zero spend more time managing email than those who don't, suggesting the cure may be worse than the disease.

Source: Productivity and email management methodology

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