Why You Don’t Need to Organize Your Email or Notes (and What to Do Instead)

Why You Don’t Need to Organize Your Email or Notes (and What to Do Instead) Do you really need a perfectly organized inbox or meticulously categorized notes to be productive? In this episode of the Get Organized at Work Podcast, Kayla Fahey-Ahrndt explains why the answer is no—and how a simple, search-first approach can save you time, stress, and unnecessary effort. You’ll learn: Why hierarchical folder systems for email and notes often fail How clear, descriptive subject lines make your inbox a personal search engine Practical ways to manage thousands of emails without “Inbox Zero” stress A quick “inbox reset” trick to clear clutter instantly How to treat your notes like an old-school spiral notebook—messy but functional Plus, Kayla shares updates from the Get Organized at Work Community, including: New merch you can vote on (mugs, tumblers, notebooks, and more!) Vote here! The brand-new Chaos Crushers member section with exclusive private podcast episodes. Join today! How to join the free community app to connect with other professionals and get notified of new content Link here to join! If you’re ready to ditch perfectionism and create systems that actually make your work easier, this episode is for you. 📌 Links & Resources: Join the free Get Organized at Work Community → click here. Upgrade to Chaos Crushers for exclusive podcast episodes → click here. Vote for your favorite upcoming merch → click here. Keywords: organize your email, productivity tips for managers, simplify digital notes, email management strategies, searchable inbox tips, how to manage inbox clutter, digital organization hacks, Get Organized at Work Podcast   HOW TO SUPPORT KAYLA & GET ORGANIZED AT WORK PODCAST 📱Join My Free Podcast Community for Professionals Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylafaheyahrndt/ Follow the podcast on Instagram: Get Organized At Work Podcast (@getorganizedatwork) • Instagram photos and videos Leave me a rating or review wherever you listen to podcasts! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/GetOrganizedAtWorkPodcast -- 🚀 The Get Organized at Work Blueprint Course is Ready For You! 🎉 Course Sign Up Page Link! Click here! Inside the course, we’ll cover:1️⃣ Foundations of Proactive Leadership2️⃣ Mastering Leader Standard Work3️⃣ Project Prioritization & Time Management4️⃣ Effective Delegation and Focusing on the Right Work5️⃣ Discovering Your Leadership Presence & Personal Work Brand6️⃣ Effective Communication & Influence   RECENT EPISODES: 7 Game-Changing Lessons I’ve Learned from Hosting the Get Organized at Work Podcast What’s Stopping You? The Career You’d Choose If Fear Wasn’t a Factor - Reclaim Your Fulfillment at Work Soft Life Systems: Organizing Your Work for a Less Hectic Life Unplug to Recharge: Smart Summer Scheduling for Leaders How to Ask For Help at Work WITHOUT Saying "I'm So Busy" How to Get Promoted by Getting Organized: The Real Secrets They Don't Teach You Karen Read’s Attorneys - What Leadership Skills Can We Learn from Them? 🏆20K Downloads! Consistency Wins: Why Rough Drafts are OK & Takeaways from the May Challenge Reflect & Celebrate: How Small Check-Ins Keep You Consistent at Work (Week 4 – May Consistency Challenge) Build Your Leadership Rhythm: 3 Daily Habits That Stick (Week 3 – May Consistency Challenge) Celebrate the Small Wins: How 10 Minutes a Day Builds Real Progress (Week 2 – May Consistency Challenge) Master Your Focus: The One-Thing Rule for Consistent Progress at Work (Week 1 - May Consistency Challenge) How Your Why Fuels Consistency at Work (and in Leadership) - Sharing MY WHY with You Stuck in the Procrastination Cycle? How to Beat it with Consistency over Perfection! Get Organized at Work Blueprint Course is LIVE TODAY! 6 Major Career Lessons I've Learned March Madness Hacks: 5-Min Tips to Boost Work Productivity (That You Might Not Have Thought Of!) 3 Signs You Need Better Organizational Systems a