Discover how the Eisenhower Matrix can help you prioritize your tasks based upon urgency and importance. Learn how to use the matrix to focus on what truly matters while reducing time spent on unimportant and less critical things.
Is this urgent or important? Sometimes there is so much to do at work we don’t know where to start. We can feel overwhelmed. Consider using the Eisenhower Matrix to help you sort it all out.
The Eisenhower matrix is a tool that President Dwight D. Eisenhower used to determine what tasks he should focus on. Stephen Covey, author of “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” popularized the matrix. You can use it to help you determine the status of your tasks. While you may want to do everything, it is not possible. The matrix is divided into four quadrants divided by urgency and importance.
- Quadrant 1: Important & Urgent (Do)
- Tasks or responsibilities that require immediate attention.
- Quadrant 2: Important & Not Urgent (Decided/Schedule)
- Tasks or responsibilities that you plan for and schedule.
- Quadrant 3: Not Important & Urgent (Delegate)
- Tasks or responsibilities that may require your attention but can wait.
- Quadrant 4: Not Important & Not Urgent (Delete)
- Task or responsibilities that waste time and have little value.
When evaluating your tasks and placing them in one of the 4 quadrants based upon importance and urgency you are determining what is most important to you and where you will spend your time. When you take the time to schedule the important tasks and responsibilities you will find that you are less stressed.
How to Use the Eisenhower Matrix
- Make a list of tasks: Write down everything you must do.
- Complete the Eisenhower Matrix: Determine what quadrant each task belongs in and write it down.
- Schedule it: Using a calendar of choice, electronic or paper write down your tasks on your schedule for the day and the week.
Why it Works
The Eisenhower Matrix is divided into four quadrants. The ultimate goal is to spend most of your time in Quadrant 2. The idea is, if you can make Quadrant 2 larger by planning and scheduling your day, the other three quadrants become smaller and take up less of your time.
Resources to Learn More
- UAB L&D Program: Mastering Your Minutes Workshop
- LinkedIn Learning: The Urgency Fallacy
- External Article: 69 Years Ago, President Eisenhower Came Up With the Best Matrix for Making Better Decisions
- External Article: How a Simple 4-Box Method Can Help You Stress Less and Get More Done
Written by Alison Kniseley
References: Hobson, N. (2023). 69 Years ago, President Eisenhower came up with the best matrix for making better decisions. Retrieved December 9, 2025, from www.inc.com
