Not all tasks have equal value and it’s not always easy deciding which tasks you need to do, and when.

All too often we end up with long lists of tasks that we’re responsible for. This in itself may not be a problem, although shorter lists can be less of a psychological burden. The real problem is that it’s not always clear to which tasks we need to prioritise.

We need a framework for making choices about which tasks we need to complete, and in what order. In other words, we need a guide for scheduling tasks that are important and tasks that are urgent.

A good starting point is the Eisenhower matrix (there are others but this one is simple):

Download the matrix above, print it out, and put it up near your desk for easy reference.

1. If a task is both Important and Urgent, do it now (I schedule these tasks in my first two 90 minute sessions for the day).
2. If a task is Important but not Urgent, plan for when you will do it (literally, go and add it to your calendar or diary immediately).
3. If a task is Urgent but less Important, delegate it to someone else (if you don’t have this luxury schedule it for a time when you’re low on cognitive energy).
4. If a task is neither Urgent nor Important, eliminate it.