#Eisenhower Matrix

[themindofastrid]

Five time management tips + resources useful for you (and me)

Image by rawpixel.com

1️⃣ Start small (make a to-do list).

I know being productive can seem really hard and stressful sometimes, especially if you have a thousand things to do. But the best way to start decluttering your mind is to write down absolutely everything you need to do, aka, a to-do list. You can keep a monthly to-do list, and then break it down into a weekly to-do list, to finally turn it into a daily to-do list. Lastly, you can keep a master to-do list, which combines the three types of to-do lists mentioned before. I personally use Microsoft To-Do.

2️⃣ Prioritize (classify your tasks).

After you have your daily to-do list ready (preferably, however you can do this with your monthly, weekly or master to-do list if you would like to), what will help you identify what should your next step be is assigning a level of importance to each task, aka, prioritizing. To classify the tasks you can assign numbers (i.e. 1-10, 1 being the most important and 10 being the least), letters (i.e. A for most important, and Z for the least), the Eat that Frog method (classify the tasks by starting with the most important and bigger one first, and then doing the next most important one, and so on). I personally prefer the Eisenhower matrix, which is a very simple way to classify tasks by urgency and importance. It basically consists in creating four categories or quadrants: urgent-important, urgent-not important, not urgent-important and not urgent-not important, and assigning one to each one of your tasks. It should look like the image below.

Source: Pinterest. Find two more prioritization techniques on this Pinterest post.

3️⃣Make the time (schedule each task).

After you have a clear vision of which task you should start with, the next step should be assigning it a specific date, time and duration, aka, calendar blocking. Your calendar or schedule works like a vision board but for your tasks. It will give you a clear idea of which tasks, in which order and for how long you should work. I like to use a physical desk calendar for monthly tasks, and a digital calendar for weekly/daily tasks. If you would like to know more about calendar blocking, check this video, and if you would like to have an aesthetic Google calendar, check this video.

4️⃣Break 'em down (break big tasks into small chunks).

If a big task still feels overwhelming and terrifying, a technique that can really help is breaking it down into a step-by-step plan, aka, turning it into small chunks of work. In his book Eat That Frog, Brian Tracy explains it like this: "Break large, complex tasks down into bite-sized pieces, and then do just one small part of the task to get started." To make it even easier, you can assign a Pomodoro timer to get started with your first small chunk, or you can apply the 10 (or 5) minute rule.

5️⃣Create a system (find what works for you).

At this point, I am pretty sure you ended that daunting task, you completed your most urgent and important tasks, and you feel like you can do anything; and, of course, you're completely right! Now that you have the key to your productivity success, then turn it into a system; find what methods, tools, schedules and setups work for you and stick with them. Remember, isn't about what works for others, it's about a system that serves you. How to start? Check this video on creating systems by Rowena Tsai.

Further readings:

Plan and Organize your Life by Beatrice Naujalyte. Best Time Management Tips by Intelligent Change. Warren Buffett’s “20 Slot” Rule by James Clear. 9 Proven Time Management Techniques and Tools by USAHS. Declassified School Survival Guide by Notion.

[jpsdigitalpages]

Upgrade your productivity game with our dynamic Decision Matrix Template, the Eisenhower Matrix Template. Crafted expertly in Google Sheets, this template offers a comprehensive task-tracking system. https://www.etsy.com/listing/1525900115/decision-matrix-template-google-sheets?click_key=149784716c12065821f92392e50e246815b3adc7%3A1525900115&click_sum=ca0a8100&ref=shop_home_active_4&pro=1&sts=1

[anvoo]

Here is my Eisenhower Matrix - a list of goals and/or activities, varying from very specific to less specific (because as of right now there is some stuff that I haven't had the chance to think thoroughly enough about). I want to have it around so that I can look back at it when I want and/or need to, and so that I am as aware as possible, of what's important, what's urgent, and of the procrastination monkey!

Right now, if you were to ask me what my purpose or goal in life is, I would probably say I have 3.

1- I want to be good to others and make a positive effect on others' lives.

I really do like people. Talking with them, hearing about their stories, telling them about mine, doing something nice, and making a positive impact. I also want to be able to be extra nice to the people I care about and give them support, help, and company. But a really important step to being able to be there for others, in the long run, is to be good to myself, and love and care for myself. I don't want to have my insecurities or emotional needs to be such a big barrier, and affect my love and care negatively. Being able to provide for myself financially, and being physically and mentally more healthy,... all inch me closer to this goal: Love and care.

2- I want to have options.

I want to have options. I want to be able to choose (of course I can't have everything and choose anything, but more / decent range of options) where I want to work and live. I want to have the qualifications and the skillsets needed to be afforded to choose from a wide range of options. I want to be self-confident, self-loving, and self-respecting, to choose the people I want in my life. I don't want to be emotionally or financially attached, so much so that I am devastated without someone. Freedom of choice, and the privilege of being able to choose, are what I want.

3- I want to express myself creatively.

I want to create, to draw, to write more, to maybe even make music or other stuff later in the future! I want to have my creativity displayed and cataloged. Of course, that means investment and dedication, both financially, effort, and time-wise.

That's great to hear.

In my brain right now, I'm lacking a bit the connection between how is it that "my immediate goals and things I should do right now" connects to "those 3 big purpose/goals". It's not that I don't logically know and see it, but it's feelings youknow. I need to be convinced, and hey, I'm taking actions right now to do exactly that.

[lodane]

reminds me of this...

How to Handle Having TOO MUCH To Do

So let’s say you’re in the same boat I am (this is a running theme, have you noticed?) and you’ve just got, like, SO MUCH STUFF that HAS to get done YESTERDAY or you will DIE (or fail/get fired/mope). Everything needs to be done yesterday, you’re sick, and for whatever reason you are focusing on the least important stuff first. What to do!

Take a deep breath, because this is a boot camp in prioritization.

Make a 3 by 4 grid. Make it pretty big. The line above your top row goes like this: Due YESTERDAY - due TOMORROW - due LATER. Along the side, write: Takes 5 min - Takes 30 min - Takes hours - Takes DAYS.

Divide ALL your tasks into one of these squares, based on how much work you still have to do. A thank you note for a present you received two weeks ago? That takes 5 minutes and was due YESTERDAY. Put it in that square. A five page paper that’s due tomorrow? That takes an hour/hours, place it appropriately. Tomorrow’s speech you just need to rehearse? Half an hour, due TOMORROW. Do the same for ALL of your tasks

Your priority goes like this:

5 minutes due YESTERDAY

5 minutes due TOMORROW

Half-hour due YESTERDAY

Half-hour due TOMORROW

Hours due YESTERDAY

Hours due TOMORROW

5 minutes due LATER

Half-hour due LATER

Hours due LATER

DAYS due YESTERDAY

DAYS due TOMORROW

DAYS due LATER

At this point you just go down the list in each section. If something feels especially urgent, for whatever reason - a certain professor is hounding you, you’re especially worried about that speech, whatever - you can bump that up to the top of the entire list. However, going through the list like this is what I find most efficient.

Some people do like to save the 5 minute tasks for kind of a break between longer-running tasks. If that’s what you want to try, go for it! You’re the one studying here.

So that’s how to prioritize. Now, how to actually do shit? That’s where the 20/10 method comes in. It’s simple: do stuff like a stuff-doing FIEND for 20 minutes, then take a ten minute break and do whatever you want. Repeat ad infinitum. It’s how I’ve gotten through my to do list, concussed and everything.

You’ve got this. Get a drink and start - we can do our stuff together!

[needtricks-blog]

Mastering the Art of Time Management Top Tips for Boosting Productivity

Mastering the Art of Time Management Top Tips for Boosting Productivity. Discover essential time management strategies to help you maximize productivity and achieve your goals. Whether you’re a student, professional, or entrepreneur, these tips will empower you to make the most of your time and work smarter, not harder. Continue reading Mastering the Art of Time Management Top Tips for…

[ahalts]

Mastering Task Management: Strategies for Optimal Productivity

Mastering task management is essential for boosting productivity and achieving your goals effectively. By implementing strategic approaches such as prioritizing tasks, setting clear deadlines, and using task management tools, you can streamline your workflow and make the most of your time. Techniques like time blocking, the Eisenhower Matrix, and the Pomodoro method help you focus on high-priority tasks, avoid procrastination, and manage your workload efficiently. Additionally, breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps and regularly reviewing your progress can keep you on track. Whether you're juggling multiple projects or working independently, mastering task management is key to maximizing productivity and reducing stress.

More info: https://ahalts.com/products/hr-management

[raffaellopalandri]

The ideal week (or always) - planning for growth

Daily writing promptDescribe your ideal week.View all responses The concept of an ideal week is a futile mirage that, upon closer inspection, dissolves into a kaleidoscope of personal priorities and circumstances. Photo by Bich Tran on Pexels.com I have carefully designed my days so that they are purposeful, worthy, and perfectly aligned with my life-long learning. In this way, I will not have…

[tinyshe]

[shesbuzy]

The Pomodoro Technique and Other Productivity Hacks: Finding Your Rhythm in the Chaos

In the whirlwind of daily responsibilities, balancing work tasks with personal activities can feel like an uphill battle. I’ve been there—juggling deadlines, meetings, and my own well-being seemed like a puzzle I couldn’t solve. That’s until I discovered the power of productivity hacks, with the Pomodoro Technique leading the charge. These methods have not just changed how I work; they’ve…

[asrarblog]

Managing Time in 2024 – Asrar Qureshi’s Blog Post #895

[bdarfler]

I love this twist on the Eisenhower Matrix to help folks who have already cut out the low-impact work on their plate.

[anvoo]

A series on procrastination - thoughts

The trip on 15.04 meant a lot to me. It was me actually doing something for myself, instead of wallowing in my thoughts. It was the "doing".

I read this really interesting, and I would say extremely relevant blog post about procrastination, how in my head there's a Rational-Decision-Maker, who knows the benefits of long-term goals and missions, who prioritizes and make "rational decisions", and a Monkey that always tries to steal the steering wheel and goes only for instant gratification, easy things that are right in front, ignoring all consequences or reason. And boy, do I love instant gratification, and not-doing-things.

The past 2.5 years, I definitely changed and learnt a lot about myself. I want to continue doing that, and also move forward with my goals and progress. The monkey's on my shit-list.

I don't want to be a slave to instant gratification - the monkey anymore. I want to gain control of my life, and go from "wanting" to "doing". I am aware of my goals, by being specific and properly managing them (Eisenhower Matrix).

I am aware of the monkey, and the many forms it can take:

Doing the things that are "kinda" important first to gain a quick sense of happiness, then forgoing the actual goals and important things.

Spending time with other people, just hanging out while I have things planned out.

Media consumption.

Chasing romantic and sexual attention.

Waiting on a text or a date.

(!!!) Feeling sad, then wallowing in it, and spending so much time to try and address it, deal with it, or come to peace with it. It's a form of chasing instant gratification. It's faster, and easier, to just be sad, then think super hard about it, then being exhausted afterwards and having it subside, or coming to peace with it for a while. It seems different than chasing validation from others to fill in my emotional needs and insecurities, but at its core, I'm looking for an instant escape and distraction, anything to not-have-to-do-something. (This is not to say that being introspective and thinking about things is bad, but in my personal case, I feel like often overdo it. It is the first step, but taking the next few steps is how I'll actually get where I want)

Storylines are rewritten one page at a time, but only through actions. Everything I do is a choice, and those actions and choices are what's writing my story and filling the pages of my life narrative. I'm not expecting for me to just magically change into someone else; it will be difficult, and it's a rocky path, but I want to, and I'm sick of being stuck in the same place. I reap what I sow, and harvest comes way faster than you would think.

You got this!

[kate-texas-bishop]

I’m trying so hard to be a historian of American Mythology and it’s all about the r/terraforum hashtag self promotion yeet