FREE Eisenhower Time Management Matrix

In order to determine what needs to be done first, ask yourself, what is important & what is urgent?

Important tasks have an outcome that lead you to achieving your goals, whether these are professional or personal.

Urgent activities demand immediate attention, and are usually associated with achieving someone else’s goals. They are often the ones we concentrate on and they demand the most attention because the consequences of not dealing with them are immediate.

1. Important and Urgent

Determine tasks that are truly important and urgent. That can’t wait!

2. Important but Not Urgent

Make sure that you have plenty of time to do these things properly, so that they do not become urgent. Also, remember to leave enough time in your schedule to deal with unforeseen problems.

3. Not Important but Urgent

Urgent but not important tasks are things that prevent you from achieving your goals. Ask yourself whether you can reschedule or delegate them.

4. Not Important and Not Urgent

These activities are just a distraction – avoid them if possible.