Eisenhower Matrix

The Eisenhower Matrix (also known as the Urgent-Important Matrix) is a time management and prioritization framework that categorizes tasks based on two dimensions: urgency and importance.

The Four Quadrants

Quadrant 1: Urgent and Important

Do First - Tasks that require immediate attention and have significant consequences.

Examples: Crises, deadlines, emergencies

Quadrant 2: Important but Not Urgent

Schedule - Tasks that contribute to long-term goals but don’t require immediate action.

Examples: Planning, relationship building, skill development, prevention

Quadrant 3: Urgent but Not Important

Delegate - Tasks that need immediate attention but don’t contribute to important goals.

Examples: Some emails, interruptions, meetings that could be handled by others

Quadrant 4: Neither Urgent nor Important

Eliminate - Tasks that waste time and don’t contribute to goals.

Examples: Time-wasting activities, excessive social media, busywork

Key Principle

“What is important is seldom urgent and what is urgent is seldom important.” — Dwight D. Eisenhower

The goal is to spend more time in Quadrant 2 (Important but Not Urgent) to prevent tasks from becoming urgent crises.

Why It Matters

• Focus on what matters: Distinguishes between urgent and important
• Prevent crises: Investing in Quadrant 2 prevents Quadrant 1 emergencies
• Reduce time waste: Identifies tasks to eliminate or delegate
• Better decision-making: Provides clear framework for task prioritization

Related Concepts

• [[RICE Framework]] — prioritization for product features
• [[Theory of Constraints]] — focusing on bottlenecks
• [[Right No vs Wrong Yes]] — saying no to unimportant tasks