If you’re struggling to prioritize your to-do list, try this:
The Eisenhower Decision Matrix is a 2x2 matrix.
It’s a visualization tool that forces you to differentiate between the urgent and the important to prioritize your time accordingly.
It was popularized by @StephenRCovey in his 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
How it works:
An "urgent" task is one that requires immediate attention to complete.
An "important" task is one that furthers your long-term values or goals.
The four quadrants:
Q1: Important & Urgent
Q2: Important & Not Urgent
Q3: Not Important & Urgent
Q4: Not Important & Not Urgent
Q1: Important & Urgent
They require immediate, focused attention—but also contribute to our long-term vision, goals, or principles.
These are "do now!" tasks.
Q2: Important & Not Urgent
These tasks are your compounders—the tasks that compound long-term value in your life.
This is where you should try to spend most of your time and energy.
Q3: Not Important & Urgent
These tasks are the "beware" category—the tasks that can drain time and energy without contributing to our end goals.
These are tasks to delegate.
Q4: Not Important & Not Urgent
These are the mindless activities like TV and social media that sap our productivity.
Limit your time on these.
Note: If they help you recharge, they may be "important" for you!
The ultimate goal?
Spend more time on important tasks that further your long-term values, missions, goals, and principles.
In simple terms:
• Manage top-right
• Invest more time in top-left
• Waste less time in the bottom half
The Eisenhower Matrix is a personal favorite—I use it every single day.
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