{"id":827,"date":"2021-04-22T21:03:08","date_gmt":"2021-04-23T01:03:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/?p=827"},"modified":"2022-07-05T14:58:03","modified_gmt":"2022-07-05T18:58:03","slug":"eisenhower-matrix-pros-and-cons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/eisenhower-matrix-pros-and-cons\/","title":{"rendered":"The Eisenhower Matrix Pros and Cons, and Everything Else You Need to Know (includes a Printable Template!)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So you&#8217;ve been told to use an Eisenhower Matrix to process and organize your tasks, and prioritize your workload. Great! You\u2019re on your way to living a more productive life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But before delving deep into the tool, there are a few things you need to know about it. (SPOILER ALERT: <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of these things might even surprise you!<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read on to learn about Eisenhower matrix pros and cons, as well as a few extra tips that will make your life easier.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/eisenhower-matrix-template\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-829 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-template-download-212x300.png\" alt=\"eisenhower matrix template printable\" width=\"212\" height=\"300\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-template-download-212x300.png 212w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-template-download-600x849.png 600w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-template-download-724x1024.png 724w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-template-download-768x1086.png 768w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-template-download-1086x1536.png 1086w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-template-download.png 1414w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 212px) 100vw, 212px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"thin-font lead\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/eisenhower-matrix-template\"><span class=\"fancy-underline\">Grab your FREE Eisenhower Matrix Template (Printable) here.\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">[divider width=&#8221;full&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Recommended Reading:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a class=\"ProsemirrorEditor-link\" href=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/just-going-through-motions\/\">Just Going Through the Motions? Here\u2019s Your Way Out<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"ProsemirrorEditor-link\" href=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/signs-of-a-deep-thinker\/\">16 Sure Signs of a Deep Thinker. Are You One?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"ProsemirrorEditor-link\" href=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/what-is-an-underachiever\/\">What is an Underachiever, and 5 Easy Ways on How to Overcome Being One<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[divider width=&#8221;full&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><b>Why Use the Eisenhower Decision Matrix As A Productivity Tool?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-852\" src=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/productivity-matrix-template.png\" alt=\"productivity matrix template\" width=\"1020\" height=\"680\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/productivity-matrix-template.png 1020w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/productivity-matrix-template-600x400.png 600w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/productivity-matrix-template-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/productivity-matrix-template-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you ever feel like you don&#8217;t have enough time to do things that you\u2019ve always wanted to do? Have you been so overwhelmed by work that by the time you retire to bed, all you feel is exhaustion and not the slightest sense of accomplishment?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But, you know what? You\u2019re not alone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a poll conducted by<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/news.gallup.com\/poll\/187982\/americans-perceived-time-crunch-no-worse-past.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gallup in 2015<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, about 48% of Americans feel that they don\u2019t have enough time to do everything they need and want to do.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">About 50% of American respondents think that they\u2019re too busy &#8211; that they try to do at<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pewresearch.org\/internet\/2017\/09\/11\/americans-fall-along-a-spectrum-when-it-comes-to-information-engagement\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">least two tasks simultaneously<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to catch up with their responsibilities in life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What&#8217;s more: only about 20% of the responders feel it&#8217;s easy to accomplish daily tasks &#8211; according to<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kronos.co.uk\/resource\/download\/13616\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">this study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve done everything you could to make the most out of your day. You\u2019ve probably googled for the best productivity tools and hacks out there &#8211; and perhaps, tried them for a while?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s the thing: <\/span><b>sometimes, the most effective hacks are the simplest ones.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this post, I&#8217;m going to teach a simple but highly effective time management tool so you could manage your time and energy better.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I\u2019m going to dive deep into:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Top 3 Reasons Why We Don\u2019t Make Much Progress Despite the Overwhelm<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Glaring Difference Between Urgent Tasks &amp; Important Tasks<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Eisenhower Matrix Pros and Cons<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How You Can Use the Eisenhower Decision Matrix to Your Advantage<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019ve been spending most of your life wasting away on \u201cbusyness,&#8221; now\u2019s the time to turn it around.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>3 Reasons Why We Barely Make Any Progress (And No, It\u2019s Not Because of the Lack of Time)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-846\" src=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-pros-and-cons.png\" alt=\"eisenhower matrix pros and cons\" width=\"1020\" height=\"680\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-pros-and-cons.png 1020w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-pros-and-cons-600x400.png 600w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-pros-and-cons-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-pros-and-cons-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cI don\u2019t have enough time to {insert a task here}.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cI\u2019m too busy to spend a day off.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cIt\u2019s never-ending work. I can\u2019t spend a few hours to {insert leisure activity here}&#8230;\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ve probably heard them all &#8211; from your friends, family, and loved ones. Everyone\u2019s too busy &#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But some studies seem to say otherwise:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/atlassian.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Atlassian.com<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.atlassian.com\/time-wasting-at-work-infographic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Only about 60% of the hours spent at work are spent productively.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On average, about 28% of<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.hubspot.com\/sales\/tips-to-increase-your-productivity-at-work\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">work hours are spent on unnecessary or low-impact tasks<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Which brings us to another question: Are we truly swamped? Or do we just FEEL busy?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When we try to think about it &#8211; we should have total control over our time. After all, we each get to spend 24 hours a day &#8211; <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">no more, no less.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re not making much progress compared to your peers &#8211; what gives?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Three common causes distract us from doing what truly matters:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>1. Lack of clarity and direction.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-845\" src=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-decision-matrix.png\" alt=\"eisenhower decision matrix\" width=\"1020\" height=\"680\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-decision-matrix.png 1020w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-decision-matrix-600x400.png 600w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-decision-matrix-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-decision-matrix-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s no secret that goals help us with clarity, direction, and focus.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But one of the biggest problems with goals is this: if they are not defined enough to translate into actionable tasks, they are nothing more than dreams or wishful thinking.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The perfect analogy for this is to think about goals as physical destinations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re from New York, what do you need to do to get to, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">say,<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Hong Kong?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How will you get there?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the resources you need to get there safely?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The point is, a goal should be big enough to get you up and running &#8211; and clear enough for you to create an actionable plan out of it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>2. Being disorganized.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-849\" src=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-time-management-matrix.png\" alt=\"eisenhower time management matrix\" width=\"1020\" height=\"680\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-time-management-matrix.png 1020w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-time-management-matrix-600x400.png 600w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-time-management-matrix-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-time-management-matrix-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Disorganization and the lack of a systematized process cost us time and money. As a result, we pay dearly with a significant decrease in productivity and increased stress levels.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Say you\u2019re a writer who needs to deliver an article within the next 24 hours. By the time you get down to write that masterpiece, you realize you couldn\u2019t find your pen. You spend about 30 minutes looking for that pen when you could have spent that time writing and being productive.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether it&#8217;s a pen, or word processing software, or a workflow, you need to have a system so that everything you need is right where you want them to be when the time comes to do actual work.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>3. Poor prioritization.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-848\" src=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-productivity-matrix.png\" alt=\"eisenhower productivity matrix\" width=\"1020\" height=\"680\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-productivity-matrix.png 1020w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-productivity-matrix-600x400.png 600w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-productivity-matrix-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-productivity-matrix-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lastly, we live in a world full of distractions. Humans as we are, without priorities, tend to favor doing things that give us instant gratification.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bored? Many of us instantly whip out our phones to check what\u2019s latest on Facebook, on Instagram\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And when we do, we often end up burning hours scrolling.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So setting the right priorities and sticking to them will prevent us from succumbing to time-wasters.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that we defined and got the problems out of the way let\u2019s take a look at how we can address them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Introducing The Eisenhower Decision Matrix.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>What is the Eisenhower Matrix?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Eisenhower Matrix is a structured way of looking at your tasks and responsibilities. It was created by former US President Dwight D. Eisenhower and was recently popularized by the bestselling author of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Stephen Covey.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The principle behind the Eisenhower Matrix is simple and straightforward.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By assigning your priorities into four quadrants, you can easily manage your tasks based on importance and urgency.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Urgent vs. Important: What&#8217;s the Difference?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-843\" src=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/dwight-eisenhower-matrix.png\" alt=\"dwight eisenhower matrix\" width=\"1020\" height=\"680\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/dwight-eisenhower-matrix.png 1020w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/dwight-eisenhower-matrix-600x400.png 600w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/dwight-eisenhower-matrix-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/dwight-eisenhower-matrix-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s a fine line that separates urgent tasks from important ones. That\u2019s why many of us often get caught up doing and getting stressed over low-impact tasks that we THINK are all important and urgent.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But not anymore.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a rule of thumb, urgent tasks are those pressing concerns that we need to address right away, while the important ones are the things we need to do to reach our biggest life goals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that you know what separates the urgent from the important, are you ready to start planning?<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>How To Plan and Strategize For Optimum Productivity Using the Eisenhower Matrix<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Planning and strategizing using the Eisenhower Matrix is easy. All you need is a pen and some pieces of paper.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To start, make a to-do list of all the tasks you need to accomplish within the day, week, or month.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Next, draw four boxes, similar to this one:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-835\" src=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-step-1-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"eisenhower matrix step 1\" width=\"1020\" height=\"1020\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-step-1-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-step-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-step-1-100x100.png 100w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-step-1-600x600.png 600w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-step-1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-step-1-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-step-1.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Then, assign labels:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-836\" src=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-step-2-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"eisenhower matrix step 2\" width=\"1020\" height=\"1020\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-step-2-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-step-2-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-step-2-100x100.png 100w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-step-2-600x600.png 600w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-step-2-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-step-2-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-step-2.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this matrix, each square represents a quadrant. Each quadrant, in turn, allows you to group tasks that you can classify according to urgency and importance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-837\" src=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-step-3-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"eisenhower matrix step 3\" width=\"1020\" height=\"1020\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-step-3-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-step-3-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-step-3-100x100.png 100w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-step-3-600x600.png 600w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-step-3-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-step-3-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-step-3.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From here on, we\u2019ll call:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(1) The \u201cUrgent-Important\u201d Quadrant as Quadrant 1,<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(2) The \u201cNot Urgent-Important\u201d Quadrant as Quadrant 2,<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(3) The \u201cUrgent-Not Important\u201d Quadrant as Quadrant 3, and<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(4) The \u201cNot Urgent-Not Important\u201d Quadrant as Quadrant 4<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, go ahead, take your to-do list, and assign each task to a quadrant.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember, if a task needs to be addressed quickly, you need to add it to an &#8220;Urgent&#8221; Quadrant, which could only be Quadrant 1 or 3, depending on the task&#8217;s importance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If not, you can assign it to either Quadrant 2 or 4, depending on its importance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you\u2019re done adding your tasks to the quadrants, let\u2019s start assigning priorities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">[divider width=&#8221;full&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Recommended Reading:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a class=\"ProsemirrorEditor-link\" href=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/use-it-or-lose-it-brain-development\/\">Use It or Lose It Brain Development Principle: 9 Important Things You Need to Know<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"ProsemirrorEditor-link\" href=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/group-polarization\/\">What is Group Polarization? Definition and Examples<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"ProsemirrorEditor-link\" href=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/what-causes-deja-reve\/\">What Causes Deja Reve? A Gift for Prophecy or a Glitch in Your Brain?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[divider width=&#8221;full&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Quadrant 1: Your #1 Priority<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-851\" src=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/productivity-matrix-example.png\" alt=\"productivity matrix example\" width=\"1020\" height=\"680\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/productivity-matrix-example.png 1020w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/productivity-matrix-example-600x400.png 600w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/productivity-matrix-example-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/productivity-matrix-example-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Urgent tasks that you classify as important fall into the first quadrant of the Eisenhower Matrix &#8211; and they should be number 1 in priority for a good reason.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>These tasks require your immediate attention.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, you can\u2019t put off leaky roof repairs during the rainy season. Otherwise, you might find your belongings submerged in water by the time it rains.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The thing is, Quadrant 1 Tasks are relatively easy to spot. If a task requires immediate action because of an impending deadline or a consequence (urgent) and it somehow could affect your long-term goals later on (important), it should belong to Quadrant 1.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be warned, though. Having too many urgent-important tasks at a particular time could lead to burnout and fatigue.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Quadrant 2: For Your Long-Term Goals<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-847\" src=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-productivity-matrix-2.png\" alt=\"eisenhower productivity matrix (2)\" width=\"1020\" height=\"680\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-productivity-matrix-2.png 1020w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-productivity-matrix-2-600x400.png 600w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-productivity-matrix-2-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-productivity-matrix-2-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A quick look at the matrix tells us that Quadrant 2 is all about tasks that are not urgent but important. Meaning, these are tasks that could help you reach your goals in the long run but are not necessary to address immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since this quadrant&#8217;s tasks don&#8217;t have an absolute deadline, they&#8217;re relatively easy for us to put off for later.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, according to Covey, we should do our best to clear out Quadrant 1 tasks and spend most of our time doing Quadrant 2 tasks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And for a good reason: <\/span><b>Quadrant 2 tasks allow us to grow and focus more on our long-term personal goals.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quadrant 2 also empowers us to mitigate the emergence of Quadrant 1 tasks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When we focus more on Quadrant 2, not only do we get to build our capacity to do more, we also experience less stress and overwhelm by doing more non-urgent tasks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Obviously, because of the nature of Quadrant 2 tasks (not urgent), they only come in second priority to that of Quadrant 1 (urgent-important).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But if you\u2019re interested in living a more carefree and stress-free life &#8211; <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">that is, with Quadrant 1 tasks not piling up and getting out of hand<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; you\u2019re better off hitting goals and crossing off checklists in Quadrant 2.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Quadrant 3: Tasks That Make You Busy But Unproductive<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-854\" src=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/stephen-covey-productivity-matrix.png\" alt=\"stephen covey productivity matrix\" width=\"1020\" height=\"680\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/stephen-covey-productivity-matrix.png 1020w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/stephen-covey-productivity-matrix-600x400.png 600w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/stephen-covey-productivity-matrix-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/stephen-covey-productivity-matrix-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have you ever heard of the word \u201cbusyness\u201d? The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the state or condition of having a great deal to do.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But having a great deal to do doesn\u2019t always necessarily translate to productivity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quadrant 3 tasks often contribute to an average person\u2019s day-to-day busyness. After all, this is the \u201cUrgent-Not Important\u201d quadrant.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlike those in Quadrant 1, Quadrant 3 tasks are just \u201curgent\u201d &#8211; and nothing more. They usually aren\u2019t meaningful to you but are primarily high in somebody else\u2019s list of priorities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here&#8217;s a quick word of caution: if you spend too much time addressing tasks in this quadrant, at the end of the day (<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">week, month, year, or even a decade<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) &#8211; you might feel like you\u2019re not progressing towards your goals at all.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But here\u2019s the good news: unlike those tasks in Quadrant 1 and 2, you don\u2019t have to do Quadrant 3 tasks personally.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therefore, don\u2019t spend too much time in Quadrant 3. You&#8217;re free to delegate these tasks to somebody else instead.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Quadrant 4: Your Time-Wasters<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-842\" src=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/covey-productivity-matrix.png\" alt=\"covey productivity matrix\" width=\"1020\" height=\"680\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/covey-productivity-matrix.png 1020w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/covey-productivity-matrix-600x400.png 600w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/covey-productivity-matrix-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/covey-productivity-matrix-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you spend lots of time mindlessly scrolling Facebook for exciting posts?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you often watch TV for hours? Or burning hours playing computer games from morning until night?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unless they\u2019re part of your job, the tasks above are just complete time-wasters and should play very little part in your list of priorities &#8211; for the very reason that they don\u2019t contribute much to both your short-term and long-term goals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But don\u2019t get me wrong. Quadrant 4 tasks are not evil. They are excellent stress-relievers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quadrant 4 tasks allow you to balance a stressful life, but this only works if you&#8217;re intentional about it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Otherwise, you might end up wasting precious time on activities that will eventually leave you feeling unfulfilled.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/eisenhower-matrix-template\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-829 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-template-download-212x300.png\" alt=\"eisenhower matrix template printable\" width=\"212\" height=\"300\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-template-download-212x300.png 212w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-template-download-600x849.png 600w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-template-download-724x1024.png 724w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-template-download-768x1086.png 768w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-template-download-1086x1536.png 1086w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-template-download.png 1414w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 212px) 100vw, 212px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"thin-font lead\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/eisenhower-matrix-template\"><span class=\"fancy-underline\">Grab your FREE Eisenhower Matrix Template (Printable) here.\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><strong>The Eisenhower Matrix Pros and Cons<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Eisenhower Matrix is an excellent time management technique to help you organize your tasks in almost all aspects of your life, including your career and business. It&#8217;s not the only tool out there, and it\u2019s obviously not perfect &#8212; but it is popular because it works &#8212; at least for most people.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The Eisenhower Matrix Pros<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h4><b>It\u2019s simple and easy to understand.\u00a0 <\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlike most productivity tools, time management using the Eisenhower Matrix doesn\u2019t require fancy apps or software. All you need is your pen, paper, and a list of all the tasks you need to complete.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h4><b>It\u2019s easy to implement. <\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The strength of the Eisenhower Matrix lies in its simplicity. You don\u2019t need special knowledge to make it work. For as long as you can sort your responsibilities and prioritize them, planning using the Eisenhower Matrix should be a cinch!\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h4><b>Changes and revisions can be done quickly. <\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Did something come up? Go ahead and make some changes to your matrix. This should only take a few minutes!\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h4><b>It\u2019s easy to organize. <\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no need to spend countless hours trying to figure out which tasks need to go high up in the priority list!\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h4><b>It gives a quick overview of what needs to be done. <\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As with other types of planning, clarity is key to making it work. Luckily, the Eisenhower Matrix gives you a bird\u2019s eye view of your tasks better than most productivity tools out there.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>The Eisenhower Matrix Cons<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-853\" src=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/productivity-priority-matrix.png\" alt=\"productivity priority matrix\" width=\"1020\" height=\"680\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/productivity-priority-matrix.png 1020w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/productivity-priority-matrix-600x400.png 600w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/productivity-priority-matrix-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/productivity-priority-matrix-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h4><b>It\u2019s not ideal in constantly changing work environments. <\/b><\/h4>\n<p>While it\u2019s a great way to make sure all of your tasks are accounted for, the Eisenhower Matrix is not perfect. With the Eisenhower Matrix, you need to assume that most tasks are static.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Constantly changing priorities and adding tasks that often change might disrupt your planning and time management. Therefore, using the Eisenhower Matrix in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment may not be sustainable in the long run.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h4><b>It may be too simplified for some people. <\/b><\/h4>\n<p>The Eisenhower Matrix is praised for its simplicity, but it has a downside, too.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Not everyone could simply sit down and assign tasks in 4 different categories because, in reality, some responsibilities go beyond the matrix &#8211; and there are usually a lot of in-betweens.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h4><b>It may be too structured for most people. <\/b><\/h4>\n<p>Let\u2019s face it. We all work a little differently from each other.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Some of us love structured workflows. Some don\u2019t.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The same goes with the use of the Eisenhower Matrix. A lot of people find the matrix handy because it helps them become productive. On the other hand, people consider it a mental construct and feel that they\u2019re better off without it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Eisenhower Matrix may be one of the most popular tools out there, but don&#8217;t let its popularity fool you into thinking that it&#8217;s perfect &#8212; it\u2019s not. Take some time to try it and determine later on if it\u2019s the right productivity tool for you and your goals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Boost Your Chances of Success<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-844\" src=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-decision-matrix-pros-and-cons.png\" alt=\"eisenhower decision matrix pros and cons\" width=\"1020\" height=\"680\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-decision-matrix-pros-and-cons.png 1020w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-decision-matrix-pros-and-cons-600x400.png 600w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-decision-matrix-pros-and-cons-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-decision-matrix-pros-and-cons-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that you know the basics of the Eisenhower Matrix, let&#8217;s explore some of the best tips so that you could efficiently use it to your advantage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Do a time audit regularly.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes, it&#8217;s easy to lose track of activities throughout a specific time. To quickly get back on track, do a time audit, and keep a list.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You don&#8217;t have to do it daily, though. You could do it every other two weeks, or even once a month.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Reflect on your work habits.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using your time audit list, ask yourself often, which Quadrants do you usually spend so much time on?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re consistently on Quadrant 2, keep up the excellent work!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But if you often find your Quadrant 1 overly populated with tasks, you might want to schedule some Quadrant 2 tasks to reduce the &#8220;urgent&#8221; workload.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The same also goes for most Quadrant 3 and 4 tasks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead of giving in to low-impact tasks, why not assign a specific time block for them? That way, you can enjoy doing them without feeling guilty about not doing enough in Quadrants 1 and 2. Or better yet, delegate those tasks that you can assign to others.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eliminating tasks is an option too. If a task is unimportant to you, it probably won&#8217;t hurt if you eliminate them from your schedule. That way, you get less stress and more wiggle room for more meaningful and significant tasks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-838\" src=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-step-4-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"eisenhower matrix step 4\" width=\"1020\" height=\"1020\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-step-4-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-step-4-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-step-4-100x100.png 100w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-step-4-600x600.png 600w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-step-4-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-step-4-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-step-4.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">[divider width=&#8221;full&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Recommended Reading:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a class=\"ProsemirrorEditor-link\" href=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/bubbly-personality\/\">6 Bubbly Personality Traits That Help Convey Cheer<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"ProsemirrorEditor-link\" href=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/cognitive-maps\/\">8 Things You Should Know About Cognitive Maps and Navigating the Map of the Mind<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"ProsemirrorEditor-link\" href=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/personal-development-questions\/\">43 Personal Development Questions to Ask Yourself for Growth<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[divider width=&#8221;full&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Think about how you can make your workflow better.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As with other productivity methods, it truly pays to strategize, optimize, and reflect on how well you\u2019re doing with your time on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That way, you can anticipate what\u2019s next and be more efficient at addressing them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep optimizing your workflow. Develop better strategies. Most importantly, always aim for better execution and adjust accordingly when the situation calls for it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/eisenhower-matrix-template\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-829 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-template-download-212x300.png\" alt=\"eisenhower matrix template printable\" width=\"212\" height=\"300\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-template-download-212x300.png 212w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-template-download-600x849.png 600w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-template-download-724x1024.png 724w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-template-download-768x1086.png 768w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-template-download-1086x1536.png 1086w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-template-download.png 1414w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 212px) 100vw, 212px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"thin-font lead\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/eisenhower-matrix-template\"><span class=\"fancy-underline\">Grab your FREE Eisenhower Matrix Template (Printable) here.\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that you know what the Eisenhower Matrix is and what it does &#8211; are you ready to take back your time and regain control?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember, your productivity all boils down to how you\u2019re prioritizing things.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Got questions about the Eisenhower Matrix?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have you tried the Eisenhower Matrix before? How did it go?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let me know by sharing your thoughts in the comments section below!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-856\" src=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-pros-and-cons-creativity-mesh-683x1024.png\" alt=\"eisenhower matrix pros and cons creativity mesh\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-pros-and-cons-creativity-mesh-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-pros-and-cons-creativity-mesh-600x900.png 600w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-pros-and-cons-creativity-mesh-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-pros-and-cons-creativity-mesh-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/eisenhower-matrix-pros-and-cons-creativity-mesh.png 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\" data-pm-slice=\"0 0 []\"><u>Disclaimer:<\/u><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\"><em>This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning, if you click on one of the product links, I will earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Creativity Mesh.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Eisenhower Matrix, also known as the Urgent vs. Important matrix, is a time management tool. It\u2019s a way to tackle tasks and find the most efficient way to get things done. <\/p>\n<p>Learn the ins and out of the Eisenhower Matrix in this post.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":850,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[48],"tags":[17,18,21,35],"post_folder":[],"class_list":["post-827","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-productivity","tag-motivation","tag-productivity","tag-success","tag-theories","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/827","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=827"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/827\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1143,"href":"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/827\/revisions\/1143"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/850"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=827"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=827"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=827"},{"taxonomy":"post_folder","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creativitymesh.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_folder?post=827"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}