4 Quadrants 1 Strategy to Manage Your Time
Is setting priorities difficult for you? Do you feel like there are not enough hours in the day? Do you want to be more productive and avoid procrastination? Then use this time-tested time management tool for setting priorities in your work and home life!
The Eisenhower Matrix was used effectively by Dwight D. Eisenhower, Allied Forces Supreme Commander during World War II and 34th President of the United States. He recognized that tasks have different levels of urgency and importance. By dividing tasks into a four-block matrix, it becomes much easier to prioritize work.
| Urgent | Not Urgent | |
| Important | Quadrant 1
DO
Act on urgent and important tasks |
Quadrant 2
SCHEDULE
Important tasks to schedule |
| Not Important | Quadrant 3
DELEGATE
Urgent tasks for someone else |
Quadrant 4
ELIMINATE
Stop doing these |
Quadrant 1 tasks are important and urgent. These are the items that are time bound and affect your career or personal life. They need to be done now or as soon as possible. Always work on these tasks first. Why? Because clearing Quadrant 1 tasks allows you to have a sense of accomplishment and to be able to move on the Quadrant 2.
Quadrant 2 tasks are important, but not urgent. These are the items that have an effect on your career or personal life, but you can schedule them into your future. This is where people should spend the most time, as Quadrant 2 items are most likely to lead to career and personal growth. Strategic planning and professional or personal development tasks reside in Quadrant 2.
Quadrant 3 tasks are urgent, but not important (for you). This may include otherwise urgent and important tasks that do not require your specific skills and so can be delegated to someone whose skills are a better match. It is best to delegate Quadrant 3 items to people that are underutilized. Only take on Quadrant 3 tasks when there is no one to delegate to.
Quadrant 4 tasks are neither important nor urgent. These items are distractions that can easily fill all our time if we allow them. Since they are often used during procrastination, it is best to eliminate these tasks altogether or to do them only in moderation, as a way to unwind rather than procrastinate. Things that are examples of Quadrant 4 tasks include, social media, checking your phone, video games, television, et cetera, et cetera. I’m sure we all can add our own procrastinating behaviors to the list pretty easily.
What are your favorite tools and disciplines for managing your time well?