The Eisenhower Matrix is a time-management and productivity tool that helps you prioritize tasks by sorting them based on their urgency and importance.

As a busy person, it’s easy to conflate the words “urgent” and “important” when you’re tackling a long list of tasks and attempting to balance your time with responsibilities outside of your schedule. However, understanding the difference between the two is crucial to identifying which tasks should be completed right away or delayed for another day.

Urgent tasks require your immediate attention and likely have clear consequences if not completed within a specific timeline. These are the tasks that, if avoided or delayed for a significant period of time, can lead to higher levels of stress and burnout.

Important tasks do not require your immediate attention but should be completed because they help you achieve your long-term goals. These are the tasks that still matter despite not being due right away and require careful planning so that you can use your time and resources efficiently.

Get FigJam Template