# Eisenhower matrix tool: sort your tasks into do, schedule, delegate and drop

> Sort a real task list into do now, schedule, delegate and drop or do later.

Urgent and important are different questions. Add each task, answer both, then inspect the pattern instead of treating the whole list as one emergency.

## How it works

Urgent and important becomes Do now. Important but not urgent becomes Schedule. Urgent but not important becomes Delegate. Neither becomes Drop or do later.

The tool does not decide what matters: importance must be judged against a goal, responsibility or consequence.

## Sources

- [Eisenhower’s Evanston address](https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/address-the-second-assembly-the-world-council-churches-evanston-illinois)
- [PlexiDesk One thing now](/help/home-widget-one-thing-now)

## Questions

### Where does the matrix come from?

Eisenhower contrasted urgent and important problems in a 1954 address while attributing the wording to a former college president. The familiar grid came later.

### What if I work alone?

Delegate can mean automate, ask for help, reduce the task or decide who genuinely owns it.

### Are tasks stored?

No. Copy the matrix before leaving if you want to keep it.