---
user-invocable: true
name: eisenhower
description: Sort tasks by urgent vs important - the Eisenhower Matrix
tokens: ~300
cloud-ok: true
---

# Eisenhower Matrix
#claudeai

## The Framework

Sort everything into four quadrants based on two questions:
1. Is it **urgent**? (demands immediate attention)
2. Is it **important**? (contributes to long-term goals)

```
                    URGENT              NOT URGENT
            ┌─────────────────────┬─────────────────────┐
            │                     │                     │
 IMPORTANT  │     Q1: DO          │    Q2: SCHEDULE     │
            │     Crisis          │    Strategic work   │
            │     Deadlines       │    Planning         │
            │     Emergencies     │    Relationships    │
            │                     │    Growth           │
            ├─────────────────────┼─────────────────────┤
            │                     │                     │
 NOT        │     Q3: DELEGATE    │    Q4: ELIMINATE    │
 IMPORTANT  │     Interruptions   │    Time wasters     │
            │     Some meetings   │    Busy work        │
            │     Some emails     │    Escape activities│
            │                     │                     │
            └─────────────────────┴─────────────────────┘
```

## How to Use

### Step 1: Brain dump
List everything on your plate.

### Step 2: Sort each item
Ask: "Is this urgent? Is this important?"

### Step 3: Apply the action

| Quadrant | Action |
|----------|--------|
| Q1: Urgent + Important | **DO** - Handle now |
| Q2: Not Urgent + Important | **SCHEDULE** - Block time for this |
| Q3: Urgent + Not Important | **DELEGATE** - Give to someone else |
| Q4: Not Urgent + Not Important | **ELIMINATE** - Stop doing this |

## The Insight

**Most people live in Q1 and Q3** - constantly reactive.

**High performers spend most time in Q2** - proactive strategic work that prevents Q1 crises.

If everything feels urgent, you've been neglecting Q2.

## Output Format

```
## Eisenhower Sort: [Date/Context]

### Q1: DO (Urgent + Important)
- [ ] [Task]
- [ ] [Task]

### Q2: SCHEDULE (Important, Not Urgent)
- [ ] [Task] → Block time: [When]
- [ ] [Task] → Block time: [When]

### Q3: DELEGATE (Urgent, Not Important)
- [ ] [Task] → Delegate to: [Who]
- [ ] [Task] → Delegate to: [Who]

### Q4: ELIMINATE
- [Task] - Why I'm dropping this: [Reason]
- [Task] - Why I'm dropping this: [Reason]
```

## Questions to Clarify

**Is it really urgent?**
- What happens if I don't do this today?
- Who is creating this urgency? Is it real?

**Is it really important?**
- Does this contribute to my top 3 goals?
- Will this matter in a year?

---

*"What is important is seldom urgent and what is urgent is seldom important."* — Eisenhower