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Eisenhower matrix

Add tasks to each box. Tick them off as you go. Your list stays on this device.

Do now

Urgent and important

    Schedule

    Important, not urgent

      Delegate

      Urgent, not important

        Drop

        Neither

          The Eisenhower matrix sorts tasks by two questions: is it urgent, and is it important? The answers put every task in one of four boxes.

          The four boxes

          1. Do now: urgent and important. Deadlines, real emergencies.
          2. Schedule: important but not urgent. Planning, health, learning, relationships. This box is where long-term progress happens, so put these on the calendar.
          3. Delegate: urgent but not important to you. Many interruptions and some meetings.
          4. Drop: neither. Busywork and distractions.

          Where the name comes from

          It is named after President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who is often quoted on the difference between urgent and important. Stephen Covey made the four-box version popular in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (1989).

          Pair it with time blocking

          Once you know what goes in box 2, give it a time on your calendar: see time blocking.

          Frequently asked questions

          What goes in the schedule box?

          Important work with no deadline pressing on it: planning, exercise, learning, maintenance.

          Is my list saved?

          Yes, in this browser only. Nothing is sent to us.

          How often should I use it?

          Many people sort their list once a week and glance at it each morning.