The Eisenhower Matrix is a simple method to organize and plan your tasks based on importance. It helps when you have too much on your plate and deal with workload paralysis. When my to-do lists start having their own to-do lists, it’s a clear sign to me I have to start to divide and conquer (sigh).

How it works

The Eisenhower Matrix is very simple: take all your to-do’s, write them down, and divide them by urgency and importance. Doing this will help you get a clearer roadmap of what you have to do now and what can wait.

Plus, offloading all tasks on paper can help take some pressure off. You don't have to keep everything floating in your head and have all your tasks shout pick me, pick me - all at the same time.

Here’s how you divide it:

How To Apply The Eisenhower Matrix To Your Study Routine

1. List Your Tasks

In a simple list, with no structure, put down all you have to do: presentations, essays, homework, reading, jot your deadlines, and even stuff that isn't directly related to studying - if it's in your head, put it on paper (or word processor, Notion, notes app- whatever works for you.)

Write down everything and I mean everything that goes through your head here. Out of your mind, onto the paper.

2. Categorize

Once you have all your tasks, create a table: each cell for a different quadrant: 1 - urgent and important; 2 - non-urgent but important; 3 - urgent but not important; 4 - not urgent and not important.

Again, plain old paper works great, digital is just as good (though it's faster).

When you decide where to put each task, ask yourself: Is this really important? Does it connect to my big goals?

3. Delegate Or Minimize

If possible, delegate Quadrant III tasks to someone else, or find ways to minimize them. This may take some time and brainstorming because unlike Eisenhower himself, we don't have people readily available to delegate tasks to.

See what must-dos eat up significant chunks of your time and think how you can trim them down.

Take digital notes instead of hand-written, form a study group, and divide materials between yourselves: you revise this, I revise this, then we can all discuss and share, opt for takeout, or eat quick-fix meals like salads and sandwiches until the storm blows over.

Whatever eats up your time, minimize it.

4. Eliminate Or Limit

Identify and either eliminate or set limits on Quadrant IV activities. If you can deal with doing them later, say after the final pass, go ahead.

Or if some of them are non-negotiables for you, set up a daily time limit. And ask yourself: do I really need to do this right now or am I being stubborn?

To Sum Up

The Eisenhower Matrix can be a game changer for planning and time-managing your study tasks. It can help dial down the pressure. You pick tasks strategically so there’s no more room for second-guessing.