Eisenhower Matrix

Prioritize tasks and projects based on urgency and importance.

How to use the Eisenhower Matrix

Getting started with the Eisenhower Matrix is pretty straight forward.

Create a list of tasks that need to get done. Sticky notes, or 3×5 index cards work great for this.
Plot them on the matrix according to urgency and importance.
Focus on 2-3 items in the urgent and important box. These take top priority and should be done the same day, or that week.
Items that are important, but not urgent should be scheduled.
Items that are urgent, but less important should be delegated.
Items that are neither urgent, nor important should be ignored for now, or indefinitely.

The Eisenhower Matrix is one of our favorite tools for prioritizing tasks and projects.

In its simplest form, the Eisenhower Matrix consists of four quadrants ranging from urgent and important to neither urgent nor important.