12 Steps for E-Mail Addicts

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STEP 9: LET YOUR SOFTWARE DO THE WORK. The more you filter out spam and divert e-mail lists to their own folders, the more manageable your in box becomes.

STEP 10: GET HELP FROM HUMANS--and I don't mean your therapist. Senior managers: let your assistant wade through your In box for you. Ordinary mortals: ask friends to stop by or phone in from time to time to interrupt your e-mail reveries.

STEP 11: DON'T CHECK YOUR E-MAIL AT HOME. This may seem extreme, but forcing yourself to go to a library or Internet cafe will at least allow the possibility of some face-to-face human interaction in your life.

STEP 12: TAKE TIME OFF. Designate one day a week that is utterly e-mail free. That goes double for cruise-ship vacations.

Kicked the habit? You can still e-mail Chris at cdt@well.com