Why you should NOT check email first thing in the morning (1 of 7):

The In-box is NOT your to-do list

Do you start each day with a clear understanding of the most important tasks and activities for the day? Do you know the first thing that should be done this morning? If you do, then go ahead and do it! This is what distinguishes successful, productive and high achievers from those who struggle to keep up with their workload.

On the other hand, by checking e-mail, you risk getting caught up doing what somebody (anybody!) else wants you to do.  Every time you open an e-mail, consider whether it’s more important than everything that’s on your task list. If you don’t ask this question, you’ll find yourself assuming the new email is more important and you’ll end up doing tasks for everyone else at the expense of the ones you’re responsible for.

Let’s be honest, the emails in your inbox are someone else’s to-do list, not yours. But who should be in control of your time – you, or the people emailing you?