Chapter 198: Dig Out

Stop drowning in unread messages. Use AI to triage, prioritize, and respond faster than ever.

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It’s Wednesday. How Many Emails Are Waiting for You Right Now?

First, I want to commend my AI for giving me such a peaceful image. I can't even imagine having an inbox this clean.

But back to reality.

Let’s be honest. Your inbox is probably a mess. Mine too, sometimes.

Unread newsletters piling up. Meeting invites hiding under promotional offers. Real opportunities buried in a sea of “quick questions.”

You tell yourself you’ll get to it later, but “later” turns into 500+ unread emails and that nagging stress in the back of your head.

Here’s the truth: email isn’t going away, but the way we handle it has to change. And this is where AI can make your inbox feel manageable again.

Why Your Inbox Is a Productivity Killer

Email feels like work, but most of it isn’t.

• Too much noise. Only a small percentage of emails actually require your attention.
• Hidden priorities. Important messages get lost in the flood.
• Mental load. Even unopened emails take up brain space.

The problem isn’t just volume. It’s the lack of a system that separates the critical from the clutter.

The Case for AI as Your Inbox Gatekeeper

Imagine logging into your inbox, and instead of hundreds of emails staring back, you see:

• A short list of messages that actually matter
• Draft replies waiting for you to review
• Newsletters and promotions filed neatly where they belong

AI can:

• Triage emails automatically by urgency and relevance
• Highlight action items so nothing slips through
• Draft responses in your voice to save typing time
• Keep your inbox organized without you manually dragging messages into folders

Your inbox stops being a black hole and starts being a productivity tool.

5 Steps to Clear Your Inbox Fast with AI

1. Let AI Scan and Categorize Everything

Stop manually sorting. AI can analyze sender, subject, and content to instantly file emails into:

• Urgent and actionable
• Important but not urgent
• Informational
• Promotional or low priority

Now you know exactly where to start.

2. Surface the Messages That Matter Most

Instead of scrolling endlessly, AI can create a priority view. This pulls out:

• Emails from your manager, clients, or key contacts
• Messages with deadlines
• Threads that require your response today

No more hunting. The real work is right at the top.

3. Turn Emails Into Tasks Automatically

That “Can you send me this report by Friday?” email shouldn’t sit forgotten in your inbox. AI can extract the action, deadline, and context, then create a task in your project manager or calendar.

4. Draft Smart Responses

Not every email needs a handcrafted reply. AI can draft quick, polite responses in your tone, saving you from typing “Sure, sounds good” a hundred times. You approve and hit send. Done.

5. Keep It Clean With Continuous Triage

Inbox zero isn’t a one-time event. AI can monitor new emails as they arrive, filing and prioritizing in real time. Your inbox stays clear instead of becoming a mess all over again.

Tools You Can Use

• ​Superhuman – AI-driven triage and shortcuts for blazing-fast email management
• ​Shortwave – Priority inbox powered by AI that organizes and summarizes messages
• ​HEY Email – Focuses on screening out noise and keeping your inbox intentional
• ​Gmail + AI add-ons – Extensions that summarize, triage, and auto-draft replies
• ​Outlook Copilot – AI features for prioritization and drafting directly in Outlook

From Inbox Overload to Inbox Zero

Human: “I have 800 unread emails. I don’t even know where to start.”

AI: “I’ve scanned everything. Out of 800, only 65 require your attention. The rest have been categorized into newsletters, promotions, and low-priority updates.”

Human: “That already feels better. But what about the important ones?”

AI: “Here are your top 10. Two from your manager, three client emails with deadlines, and five that need quick confirmations. I’ve drafted responses for the last five so you can review and approve.”

Human: “Amazing. And the client ones?”

AI: “I’ve turned them into tasks with deadlines in your project manager. You’ll get reminders before they’re due.”

Human: “What about tomorrow? Won’t it just pile up again?”

AI: “Not anymore. I’ll monitor incoming emails, prioritize the important ones, and summarize low-priority ones in a daily digest. Your inbox will stay clear.”

The Shift: What It Feels Like When AI Handles Your Inbox

Before:

• Inbox full of unread emails
• Constant low-grade stress about what you’re missing
• Hours wasted on sorting, skimming, and typing quick replies

After:

• Clear, focused inbox with only what matters
• Automatic task creation from email requests
• Quick replies drafted in your voice
• Daily digest for the noise you don’t need right away

It feels like finally having control again.

YOU & AI

You: “But what if AI misses something important?”
​AI: “I prioritize based on your behavior and contacts. You’ll always see critical messages first, and you can adjust the filters so nothing slips through.”

Your Next Step: Reclaim Your Inbox

Email doesn’t have to be your biggest time sink. With AI triage, you can go from inbox chaos to inbox clarity in minutes instead of hours.

Try it tomorrow morning. Open your AI-prioritized inbox, clear the urgent tasks, and let everything else file itself away. You’ll start the day lighter, sharper, and actually ready to work.

And if you want more ways to save time with AI, stay tuned. Let’s build smarter systems that put you back in control of your day.

Have a great rest of the week.

Nikola Harper, Editor, Workflow Wednesdays, 10xYOU​

PS: You can always email me directly at nik@10xyou.us​

PPS: Like newsletters? Here are others you might enjoy.

PPPS: If you are interested in reading a book on getting more productive with AI, let me know. Love to hear what's important to you. Drop me a reply.

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YOUR MONEY, UPGRADED ​Your Money, Upgraded is a practical guide to taking control of your finances with AI. Learn to budget smarter, pay off debt, grow your wealth, and plan for the future—without stress or spreadsheets. With real tools, relatable advice, and clear steps, this book helps you build confidence, freedom, and financial clarity.

ATARAXIA FOR TRANQUILITY AND INNER PEACE ​Beyond Stoicism explores Ataraxia, the ancient Greek practice of serene calm. Learn to focus on what you can control, cultivate mindfulness, and find lasting inner peace. Through practical exercises and timeless wisdom, this guide helps you navigate life’s challenges with poise and clarity.