The Time Matrix

Following is a very good matrix that helps you identify and eliminate unimportant activities and allows you to focus on what matters most in your personal and professional lives.

Message to note here is:

Things which matter most must never be

at the mercy of things which matter least.

Choose to spend most of your day’s time in quadrant II so that time spent in quadrant I can be reduced. Very minimal time should be spent in quadrant III and IV.

TIME MANAGEMENT MATRIX
from Stephen Covey’s book “First Things First”

Important	Urgent	Not Urgent
	I (MANAGE) Crisis Medical emergencies (Sick Child) Pressing problems (Angry customers) Deadline-driven projects Last-minute preparations              for scheduled activities	II (FOCUS) Preparation/planning Prevention Values clarification Education Exercise Relationship-building True recreation/relaxation (Renewing yourself)
	Quadrant of Necessity	Quadrant of Quality & Personal Leadership
Not Important	III (AVOID) Interruptions, some calls Some mail & reports Some meetings Many “pressing” matters Many popular activities Other people’s priorities	IV (AVOID) Excessive computer games Aimless Internet Surfing Time wasters Meaningless conversations Viewing mindless TV shows
	Quadrant of Deception	Quadrant of Waste

Focus on Important Tasks.

Urgent

An activity that you or others feel requires immediate attention.

Important

An activity that you find valuable and that contributes to your mission, values,

And high-priority goals