How to Become a time management expert with the Eisenhower Matrix
If you like to control your time, the Eisenhower Matrix is one of the best and simplest time management tools you will ever use. I had mentioned this prioritisation tool in my previous article — A short course on productivity. If you like to give this tool a try but don’t know where to start, this article is for you.
What is the Eisenhower Matrix?
The Eisenhower Matrix is a prioritisation tool used in time management. It was developed by US president Dwight Eisenhower. He used it while working as a US Army general, then as Supreme Allied Commander of NATO Forces, and eventually as president of the United States. Later this method was popularised by the book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
Why should you use the Eisenhower Matrix?
- You can avoid feeling overwhelmed and focus on what truly matters.
- You’ll spend less time on unimportant tasks and more time making progress on your goals.
- Having a plan for your most important things can reduce your stress levels.
- As you strategically allocate your time you can avoid procrastination.
How to use the Eisenhower Matrix?
Alright, so how do we use this thing? Grab a pen and paper, or your favorite to-do list app. List out all your tasks, big and small. Then, ruthlessly categorize them into one of the four quadrants of this Matrix.
The Eisenhower Matrix has a 2*2 grid structure. You may draw the Matrix on paper, or you may download a digital version online. The Matrix has 2 perpendicular lines dividing the space into 4 quadrants.
On one axis, we have urgency. Is this something that needs to be done right now, or can it wait?
On the other axis, we have importance. Does this task contribute to your goals, or is it just kind of a time-waster?
This creates four quadrants:
- Do First (Urgent & Important): Tackle them head-on! They can’t wait! For example, fixing a flat tyre before work or that presentation due in an hour.
- Schedule (Important & Not Urgent): These are the important things you can plan for, like preparing for NEET or UPSC, working on your startup, or working in your fitness or finance.
- Delegate (Urgent & Not Important): Can somebody else do those tasks? Free up your time for the important stuff.
- Eliminate (Not Urgent & Not Important): Unsubscribe from those spam emails, ditch doomscrolling, and say goodbye to those tasks that bring zero value.
Here's a bonus tip: Schedule regular reviews of your Eisenhower Matrix. Priorities can shift, so revisit your list often to make sure you're staying focused on what truly matters.
So there you have it, the Eisenhower Matrix! With a little practice, you can become a master of prioritizing and finally conquer that to-do list.
But hey, don't just take my word for it. Try it out yourself and let me know in the comments how it works for you!
And while you're there, clap for the article and follow me for more productivity hacks and time management tips.