ADHD & Time Management

Time Management is a challenging task in general and can feel extremely daunting for folks with ADHD. The ability to organize and prioritize your tasks takes practice, patience, and consistency. The Eisenhower Matrix is one of many tools that can help with identifying the importance of your tasks and prioritizing them. 

Eisenhower Matrix

The Eisenhower Matrix, also known as the Urgent-Important Matrix, is a time management tool that helps prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance. It is named after Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States, who famously used this principle to organize his workload.

How the Eisenhower Matrix Works

The matrix is divided into four quadrants: 

Quadrant 1: Urgent and Important

Quadrant 2: Not Urgent but Important

Quadrant 3: Urgent but Not Important

Quadrant 4: Not Urgent and Not Important

How to Use the Eisenhower Matrix

1. Take a few moments to create a list, writing down everything you need to do.

2. Categorize your tasks: Assign each task to one of the four quadrants.

3. Prioritize actions:

- Focus on completing tasks in Quadrant 1.

- Allocate specific times to work on Quadrant 2 tasks.

- Delegate tasks in Quadrant 3.

- Avoid or eliminate tasks in Quadrant 4.

Example Eisenhower Matrix

Imagine you have the following tasks:

- Submit a project report (due tomorrow)

- Plan next quarter’s strategy

- Attend an unimportant but urgent meeting

- Respond to a non-urgent email from a friend

- Exercise

- Watch a funny video online

By prioritizing tasks using the Eisenhower Matrix, you can focus on what truly matters and manage your time more effectively.