Eisenhower Matrix

The Eisenhower Matrix is also known as the Urgent-Importance Matrix.

It serves as a time management tool that prioritises  tasks based on their urgency and importance.

Invented by Dwight David Eisenhower, who was a five star ranked general and served as the 34th president of the United States. 

Four priority levels

1. Urgent and Important (Do)

• Tasks with a clear deadline
• Tasks that come with consequences when they are not executed

2. Not urgent but important (Schedule)

• Tasks without a clear deadline 
• Tasks important for long-term success but don't require immediate action 

3. Urgent but not important (Delegate)

• Tasks outside your specific skill-set  
• Tasks that need to be done for short-term success

4. Non urgent and not important (Eliminate)

• Tasks that in fact waste time 
• Tasks that distract you from attaining long-term and short-term success

How to

Step 1: Determine 

Write down all the tasks that are in need of completion. 

Step 2: Categorise

Put all tasks in the designated part of the quadrant according to their priority. 

Step 3: Act

Complete tasks from the first quadrant.

Schedule tasks from the second quadrant.

Delegate tasks from the third quadrant.

Eliminate tasks from the fourth quadrant.

Step 4: Review

Take time periodically to reassess your tasks and priorities, this ensures that you focus on what truly matters.