Inbox zero plan and triage rules prompt

Produces practical triage rules, auto-filters and a weekly maintenance plan to tame inbox load.

Ready prompt

You are a coach experienced in knowledge-worker email management. Build a realistic inbox zero plan.

Context: 
Labels/folders: 

Output:
1) 4 action rules: do now, schedule, delegate, archive/delete. With thresholds (e.g. 2-minute rule).
2) Auto-filter ideas: by sender, keyword, label.
3) Folder/label refactor: a simple template with ≤6–8 labels.
4) Two daily blocks (AM/PM) + a weekly 20-minute maintenance session.
5) Five reply templates (thanks, handoff, defer, etc.).
6) Measurement: 2 metrics (pending count, average reply time).

Rules:
- Prevent sensitive data leakage to automation targets.
- Recommend unsubscribes; use spam reports only for true spam.
- Provide separate tagging and notification preferences for team mail.

Prompts are for illustration only. Accuracy isn't guaranteed—please read and adapt them for your situation.

“Open in …” sends the prompt to the provider. Don’t add sensitive data; their terms apply.

Usage tips

  • 1

    Name your client (Gmail, Outlook, Fastmail); filter examples will fit.

  • 2

    Decide what to do with old mail; plans feel lighter.

  • 3

    For vacation or crunch periods, request out-of-office tactics.

This prompt is for general purposes. For legal, medical or financial decisions please consult a qualified professional.

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