Unsubscribe by Jocelyn K. Glei Summary

Unsubscribe is a practical guide to overcoming email overload, reducing digital distractions, and reclaiming productivity. It combines psychology-backed insights on why email is addictive with actionable strategies for managing inboxes efficiently, crafting clearer messages, and prioritizing meaningful work. The book also includes email templates for common scenarios like giving feedback or setting boundaries.

This book is ideal for office workers, managers, or entrepreneurs struggling with email anxiety or time management. It’s particularly useful for those who spend 28%+ of their workday on email, seek work-life balance, or want to reduce stress caused by constant digital notifications.

Yes, Unsubscribe offers concise, research-backed solutions tailored to modern email challenges. Readers praise its actionable frameworks, like the “VIP Sideline” tactic for prioritizing critical messages and the “2-slot rule” for limiting email checks to twice daily. However, some note that pre-written scripts are available online.

The Progress Paradox describes how people favor quick, easy tasks (like clearing emails) over meaningful work to create a false sense of achievement. Glei argues this habit sabotages long-term productivity and recommends dedicating your first 60-90 minutes daily to high-impact projects instead.

Glei explains that recipients often misinterpret email tone as more negative than intended. For example, enthusiasm reads as neutral, and neutrality reads as criticism. To counter this, she advises using clear subject lines, emojis for warmth, and avoiding ambiguous phrasing.

This tactic involves creating a separate folder or label for messages from critical contacts (e.g., clients, bosses). By routing these emails outside your main inbox, you reduce noise and ensure urgent requests aren’t buried under less important threads.

Unlike broad productivity guides, Unsubscribe focuses specifically on email—a top workplace stressor. It blends behavioral science (e.g., why reciprocity drives email volume) with tactical fixes, distinguishing it from titles like Atomic Habits or Deep Work.

Glei is a productivity expert and former director of 99U, a platform for creative professionals. She’s authored/edited multiple bestselling books, including Manage Your Day-to-Day, and her work is informed by 15+ years of studying workplace efficiency and digital habits.

With remote work reliant on asynchronous communication, the book’s email templates and time-blocking strategies remain relevant. Its emphasis on reducing “zoom fatigue” from constant inbox checks aligns with 2025 trends toward mindful tech use and focus preservation.

Some readers argue that its email scripts lack originality, as similar templates circulate freely online. Others note the book’s corporate-centric examples may not resonate with solopreneurs or freelancers facing lighter email volumes.

Glei describes meaningful work as projects that:

• Improve your skills or knowledge
• Positively impact others
• Contribute to long-term goals or legacy

She contrasts this with “busywork” like reactive emailing, which offers临时成就感 but no lasting value.

Key tools include:

• Inbox When Ready (Chrome extension): Hides your inbox to prevent compulsive checking.
• Batched Processing: Respond to emails only during designated time slots.
• 2-Minute Rule: Immediately reply to emails requiring <2 minutes