What is Eisenhower Matrix?

The Eisenhower Matrix is a time management and prioritization framework that helps individuals and teams decide what to focus on, delegate, or eliminate. It categorizes tasks into four quadrants: urgent and important (do immediately), important but not urgent (schedule for later), urgent but not important (delegate), and neither urgent nor important (eliminate). By forcing a clear distinction between urgency and importance, the matrix prevents reactive work habits and supports more intentional decision-making.

The concept originated from a 1954 speech by U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who emphasized that important tasks are rarely urgent, and urgent tasks are rarely important. It was later popularized by Stephen Covey in his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Today, the Eisenhower Matrix is applied in contexts ranging from personal to-do lists to organizational project planning, helping people manage priorities, reduce stress, and maintain focus on long-term goals.