Sort your to-do list with the Eisenhower Matrix: mark each task as urgent and important or not, and see what to do now, schedule, delegate or drop.
What is the Eisenhower Matrix?
The Eisenhower Matrix, named after U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, sorts tasks by two questions: Is it urgent? and Is it important? The answers place each task in one of four boxes:
| Urgent | Not urgent | |
|---|---|---|
| Important | Do now: crises, deadlines | Schedule: planning, health, learning, relationships |
| Not important | Delegate: many emails, some meetings, interruptions | Drop: time-wasters and busywork |
Urgent versus important
- Urgent tasks demand attention now, often because someone else is waiting.
- Important tasks move your goals and responsibilities forward.
The key insight is that the "schedule" box, important but not urgent, is where the most valuable work lives, yet it is the easiest to neglect. Booking time for it prevents many future emergencies.
Worked example
A client proposal due tomorrow is urgent and important, so it goes first. Planning next quarter's goals and booking a health check are important but not urgent, so schedule them. Routine emails are urgent but not important, so batch or delegate them. Social media scrolling lands in "drop".
Tips
- Keep the "do now" list short. If everything is urgent, priorities need a closer look.
- Put "schedule" tasks in your calendar with a specific time.
- If you cannot delegate, batch "delegate" tasks into one short block.
Frequently asked questions
Is my list saved?
No. Everything runs in your browser and disappears when you close the page. Copy the result if you want to keep it.
What if I have no one to delegate to?
Automate, simplify or limit those tasks, for example by checking email at set times.
Related tools
Results are estimates for planning and education only. They are not financial, tax, legal or medical advice. Check important numbers with a qualified professional.