20/01/2020
Do you use the Eisenhower Matrix?
Picture this: You have a long list of things to do, and you have no idea where to start.
If you're anything like me, you want to get everything done at the same time so it is all behind you and you can move on.
But how can you decide what needs to be done first, and what can wait?
The Eisenhower Matrix, which is also known as the Urgent-Important Matrix, helps you prioritize your tasks based upon their urgency and importance. It also allows you to identify tasks that you should either delegate or leave undone.
Quadrant 1: Do First.
Quadrant 1 contains tasks that are both urgent and important. These are βdo firstβ tasks because they are critical for your life or career in some way and need to be finished right away. You want to get these tasks done as soon as possible.
Quadrant 2: Decide When.
The tasks in quadrant 2 are important, but not urgent. This is where you want to invest the majority of your time. Quadrant 2 tasks are in line with your long-term goals.
Quadrant 3: Delegate It.
Do you ever feel that you put too much importance on a task that in hindsight was not very important? Or think something has to be done right away, and it actually doesn't?
If so, you are in good company.
This common mistake often occurs when someone asks you to do something that does not directly benefit you or get you closer to achieving your goals. For quadrant 3 tasks, it is important to learn and remember how to delegate certain things.
When you think something is urgent but it actually is not, it is usually an outside source of distraction. This may include constantly checking your email or phone, or responding to people as soon as they try to contact you. You may think it is urgent at the moment, so you stop what you are doing to tend to the matter. But in reality, it could wait.
Quadrant 4: Delete It.
Honestly, you want to avoid quadrant 4 tasks. These tasks are simply a waste of your time, and they should be eliminated. If you are able to identify and eliminate all of your quadrant 4 tasks, you will free up some much-needed time to invest in your quadrant 2 tasks.