Matriz de Eisenhower
Why Does the Eisenhower Matrix Work?
Created from the decision-making philosophy of general and president Dwight D. Eisenhower, this matrix separates tasks based on urgency and importance. The magic lies in forcing yourself to think: Does this get me closer to my goals or just consume time?
The Matrix in 1 Image
Urgent & Important
Do it now
Ex: submit project today, emergencies.
Not Urgent & Important
Schedule it
Ex: exercise, training, strategy.
Urgent & Not Important
Delegate it
Ex: interruptions, non-essential calls.
Neither Urgent nor Important
Eliminate it
Ex: compulsive social media, uncontrolled binge-watching.
How to Read the Matrix
- List all your tasks for the week or day.
- Classify them into one of the 4 quadrants based on urgency and importance.
- Act: do, plan, delegate, or eliminate.
- Review weekly to maintain focus.
Explanation by Quadrant (with examples)
1. Urgent and Important — Do it now
Critical tasks with an imminent deadline or crises. Keep this quadrant small: too many tasks here indicate a lack of planning.
- Submit proposal with today's deadline.
- Resolve a failure that prevents operations.
2. Not Urgent but Important — Schedule it
Growth lives here: tasks that build your future and reduce crises. Blocking time for this quadrant is the key to long-term success.
- Training and reading plan.
- Regular exercise and self-care.
3. Urgent but Not Important — Delegate it
Interruptions or tasks that require immediate attention but do not contribute to the main goal. Delegate or automate if possible.
- Coordination calls that someone else can handle.
- Some standard email responses.
4. Neither Urgent nor Important — Eliminate it
Activities that consume time without return. Only use them as planned rest or eliminate them.
- Browsing social media aimlessly.
- Unlimited binge-watching outside of planned rest time.
How to Implement the Matrix in 7 Steps
- Write everything down: get every task or commitment out of your head.
- Evaluate: for each task, decide if it is urgent, important, or both.
- Assign a quadrant and an action (do, plan, delegate, eliminate).
- Block time on your calendar for Quadrant 2 tasks.
- Automate or delegate Quadrant 3 tasks (templates, assistants, processes).
- Review urgent tasks daily and your complete matrix weekly.
- Refine: if a quadrant fills up, investigate why and adjust.
Benefits (brief, to persuade)
- Greater clarity and focus.
- Less stress from unexpected crises.
- More time for activities that generate results.
- Better delegation and team usage.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Confusing urgent with important — Stop and ask yourself: does this get me closer to a goal?
- Not writing the list — using memory increases availability bias.
- Not reviewing the matrix — make it a weekly habit.
- Not delegating — identify one task you can delegate today.
Resources and Recommended Reading
- Stephen R. Covey — The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (chapter on priorities).
- Articles and guides on time management and weekly planning.
Conclusion
Productivity is not about doing more; it's about doing the right things. The Eisenhower Matrix forces you to make conscious decisions about your time. Practice for one week and you will see how emergencies decrease and your ability to focus on what truly matters grows.