Take an axe to your inbox with these 3 ruthless "canned" responses that will annihilate your email and get your mind out of your inbox and back onto what matters-and allow you to avoid email bankruptcy in the process. Each response is appropriate for certain circumstances-of which there are really only three:

Message #1: Follow-up Email Needed -

"Thank you for your email I'm glad you reached out to contact me regarding [INSERT SUBJECT].

That said, while I'm interested in what you've offered my time is at a premium these days. I'll give the matter further thought and will get back to you within the next [X] business days. If you require an answer sooner than that, simply respond to this email and give me a timetable so I can see if I can make something happen on my end.

Again, thanks for your email and I look forward to hearing back from you shortly."

Message #2: Follow-up email not needed -

"Thank you for your email regarding [INSERT SUBJECT HERE]. I appreciate the time you've taken to give me the heads up on this.

Unfortunately, it's not something that I'm willing to take on at this time as I have other matters that require my attention.

Again, thank you for reaching out to me and good luck with [INSERT SUBJECT HERE].

Message #3: No response needed -

Yes, deleting and email is a response. Either to you or to the sender, depending on the subject matter. On that note, here's what you do: Delete it. Now.

Feel free to start using these responses today and you'll find that your time in your email inbox will be lessened and your time delivering actionable results will be enhanced. You'll escape the rapture of the inbox and reap the rewards of conquering it.