I have come to believe that priorities are mighty important, not only in choosing where to begin on a to do list, but in choosing what to do with your life. The Time Management Matrix is one well-known method that divides the Important into the Urgent (DAM CRAP: Deadlines, Appointments, Meetings, Crises, Required tasks, Agenda items, and Problems) and the Not Urgent (VIP AIMS: activities that are Vital to values, Increase happiness, Pursue purpose, and are Active, Inspiring, Meaningful, Solutions). Learn more at How to Choose VIP AIMS. The challenge is to deal with the urgent without neglecting the less urgent yet still very important.

I’ve always been drawn to the Action Priority Matrix (aka the Sweet Spot), that compares impact and effort. I think that Return on Investment (ROI) of costs vs. benefits should also be considered. But it bothered me that the Action Priority Matrix makes it seem like effort is a bad thing. As I’ve thought about these options, I believe that effort is another way to think about the costs involved and should be included with the ROI idea. So I created the Effect Priority Matrix (see below), which exchanges the concept of effort for that of engagement.

“Efficiency is doing things right. Effectiveness is doing the right things.” – Peter Drucker.

This matrix looks at creating results that are effective. Effective tasks or projects in Quadrant 1 will make a BIG IMPACT (Bold change, Impressive influence, and Great movement) and provide HIGH ENGAGEMENT (Harness strengths, Ignite imagination, Grow and develop skills, and Have intrinsic rewards).

Activities in Quadrant 2 contribute High Impact but have Low Engagement. For this area, focus on strengths, find ways to involve imagination, learn more, and hack rewards for motivation.

Quadrant 3 activities are highly engaging, but have low impact on what is significant. TRIVIA to consider dropping can include Too much Television, Random avoidance (see Procrastination Triggers and solutions), Idle time wasting, Videos, Impulsive gaming, and Addictive social media.

Quadrant 4 activities have low engagement and have low impact. When possible, AVOID Aimless busywork, Very unimportant meetings, email, and phone calls, Others priorities, Interruptions, and Distractions. Learn how to handle distractions at Four Fantastic Tools for Focus.

Plus I created a Return on Investment (ROI) matrix that compares costs and benefits.

What results when these are put together, is a Priority Matrix Flow. Download the Priority Flow pdf.

Run choices through this priority flow to focus on what really matters and Make Shift Happen. The Priority Flowchart below can help guide choices about where to get started.

Tasks that are GREAT priorities:
• Give BIG impact
• Requirements that are urgent
• Extend HIGH engagement
• Are important
• Target good Return on Investment (ROI)

1. Is anything URGENT?
a. Check calendar for: deadlines, appointments, meetings, etc.
Nope, nothing –
b. Any crisis? Yup – handle it right now.
Nope, nothing awful is happening –
c. Are there unpleasant “frog” must dos? Sadly Yes – suck it up and HOP TO IT! Learn some strategies to combat procrastination.
No, thank goodness! –
d. Have you done the routine, repeating tasks that must be done? Not yet – don’t forget them! Follow a daily routine to automate these tasks and remember to include self-care for wellness.
Yes – Yay! Let’s go to the next step!

2. What else is IMPORTANT to do?
IMPORTANT VIP AIMS are: Vital to values, Increase positive shift, Pursue purpose, Active, Inspiring, Meaningful, Solutions.
You have no idea – a. choose goals b. plan purpose c. include BE MEASURING practices
YES! You’re ready to get goaling, pursue purpose, and create positive shift! Onward to step 3!

a. Have you set written goals? No – Choose goals to improve your life in four life areas.
Yes – go to b.

b. Do you have an AIM for a vision that is Active, Inspiring, and Meaningful? No – higher level goals pursue purpose. Do some purpose planning for higher level goals. Yes – go to c.

c. Have you practiced the four Ps of positive shift? No – Remember to Power up, Pause, pursue Purpose and connect with People. Yes – go to the next step

3. Will this goal or task create a BIG IMPACT? BIG = Bold change, Impressive influence, and Great movement. Not really – maybe later. It sure will! – move to the next step

4. Will this goal or task provide HIGH ENGAGEMENT that will Harness strengths, Ignite imagination, Grow and develop skills, and Have intrinsic rewards? No – a. look for motivation or avoid it. Yes, it’s highly engaging – use caution if the IMPACT is low. Yes, it has both BIG IMPACT and HIGH ENGAGEMENT! – go to the next step to determine the Return on Investment.

5. Are there high BENEFITS for a low investment (ROI)? No – maybe later if costs (consider size, time, energy, access, and money needed) can be reduced and benefits (gain, revenue, appeal, impact, needs met) increased.
Yes, there are lots of benefits compared to the resources required – LET’S GO! It’s time to Make Positive Shift Happen! Read about the BE MEASURING activities that Make Positive Shift Happen.