Draw a big box on a sheet of paper. Big means, almost the size of the paper. We are going to draw an Eisenhower Matrix.
Inside, divide the box into four equal parts.
Label them, clockwise:
Now, you’ve made an Eisenhower Matrix, an easy tool to help you prioritize.
Keep it by your desk. Whenever you get asked to do something, ask yourself, which one of these boxes does this task belong.
Treat it accordingly.
Anything that is important and urgent has the following characteristics:
Resist the temptation to put anything in this category unless you are willing to let anything and everything else fail.
Yes, the stakes are that high.
Also note: Each item in this category increases stress and decreases focus.
Ever work in an industry where people seem scattered and get heart attacks?
It’s too much of this.
Use this frame sparingly.
When you eat garlic, the smell gets on your hands, around your mouth, and on your breath. People notice, but mostly, you care. Should you do something?
Options:
While we sit here and read this, the first two options seem reasonable. With no skin in the game, you recognize the best choice is the second, but you could live with the first.
The last choice seems insane. In life, when you add emotion, it isn’t that simple.
You can feel the slight change of disposition in the room. And in our worst moments, it can cause us to lose perspective.
When the pressure is on, the third option becomes much more reasonable in our heads.
Tomorrow – I’ll talk about why this is important.
Go to sleep at night.
Wake up in the morning.
These are two important events – treat them as such.
From the desk of Adam Thomas 