Can’t get anything done because of email? You’re not alone. One of the most popular (and easiest) ways to procrastinate is to check email, I don’t know, like 300 times a day.

Maybe this is an exaggeration, then again, maybe not. Either way you look at it, if you can learn to shut off all the notifications of email and the auto checking functions, you’ll be that much closer to not having an instant procrastination pal. Take heed, so you don’t end up at the end of the day wondering just where the heck your day went.

Shut off all the email interruptions that could pull you away from what you are doing and send you spiraling out of control.

Also, don’t forget that if you set up specific times of day to check email, there’s really no need to have the auto check feature turned on. In fact, if you often find yourself needing to write emails throughout the day, you’ll likely be better off turning off the auto checking feature. Having emails come in whenever you open you email client up to write a simple email is a big distraction. Most people can’t resist skimming or even outright reading their new emails if they’re there, so take that temptation away by doing away with auto check.

I have auto checking turned off for every account I have in Thunderbird and it has worked wonders for me. I no longer find myself answering three or four unrelated emails every time I open the program. Because I limit my email checking, it also helps me avoid the back-and-forth that can come from constant email checking. If you need to collaborate with someone that badly, get on your instant messaging program and get it over with.

If you have people getting on your back because you aren’t responding immediately to their emails, remind them that email is not a phone call. If they need you that badly, they should call.

If you use Gmail or other online based email, DON’T make it your homepage in your browser. It’s easiest to fight temptation if you don’t put temptation right in your face.

Procrastination by email is a serious problem in these days of constant connectivity. I love my broadband connection, but ever since my rural telephone cooperative started offering DSL, checking email has become the bane of my existence, its lure like that of a shiny silver dollar in a wishing well. You know you shouldn’t want it, but boy is it hard to resist.

Take control. Don’t let email lead you astray.