Eisenhower Matrix Rule Template
Identify and sort tasks based on Urgency and Importance.
What is Eishenhower Matrix?
The Eisenhower Matrix, also known as the Urgent-Important Matrix, is a simple yet powerful tool for prioritizing tasks. It helps you categorize and manage your workload by sorting tasks into four quadrants based on their urgency and importance. This process gives you a clear framework for deciding what to do, what to schedule, what to delegate, and what to eliminate.
The Four Quadrants
The matrix consists of four quadrants, each with a corresponding action:
- Urgent and Important (Do): These are high-priority tasks that need your immediate attention. They often have clear deadlines and significant consequences if not completed.
- Important, but Not Urgent (Schedule): These are long-term goals and strategic planning tasks that are crucial for your success but don’t have an immediate deadline. This is the quadrant for proactive work, such as planning, building relationships, and personal development.
- Urgent, but Not Important (Delegate): These tasks are interruptions that demand your attention but don’t contribute to your major goals. Examples include routine emails, some meetings, or requests from others. The best approach is to delegate these to someone else.
- Not Urgent and Not Important (Delete): These are distractions and time-wasters that provide little to no value. You should eliminate these from your schedule to free up time for more important tasks.
Free Eisenhower Matrix Template
Google Sheets
Steps to Use the Eisenhower Matrix:
The Eisenhower Matrix is a simple tool to help you prioritize your tasks and be more productive. Just follow these steps:
- List all tasks: Start by writing down every task you need to do, no matter how big or small. Don’t try to organize them yet.
- Sort your tasks: Now, place each task from your list into one of the four quadrants based on its urgency and importance.
- Act on Each Quadrant: Finally, use the matrix to decide what to do with each task:
- Do It: Tackle the Urgent & Important tasks immediately.
- Schedule It: Plan a time to work on the Important & Not Urgent tasks.
- Delegate It: Find someone else to handle the Urgent & Not Important tasks.
- Delete It: Eliminate the Not Urgent & Not Important tasks from your list entirely.