Knowing where to begin on a to do list is important in day to day planning. To make the most of your time, learn more about Setting priorities with the Time Management Matrix, a well-known method that compares the urgent with the important. The challenge is to deal with the urgent without neglecting the less urgent yet still very important.
“Efficiency is doing things right. Effectiveness is doing the right things.” – Peter Drucker.
Setting priorities also vital in choosing what to do with your life. For longer range planning, the most effective use of your time is to choose goals, projects, and activities that make a BIG impact and engage your strengths. The Effect Priority Matrix compares impact with engaging strengths to create effective results for achieving VIP AIMS that are Active, Inspiring, Meaningful, and Significant.
- Activities in Quadrant 1 may have Big Impact but are Low Strengths. For this area, identify and develop STAR strengths: Skills, Talents, and Abilities that Recharge energy, and Start flow – Develop It!
- Effective projects or activities in Quadrant 2 result in a BIG impact with Bold change, Impressive influence, and Great movement. ACT with strengths that Capture interest and imagination and Target growth. They engage STAR Strengths – Do It!
- Activities that do not engage strengths and have Low Impact in Quadrant 3 include Aimless busywork, Very unimportant meetings, emails, calls, Others priorities, Interruptions, Distractions – Avoid It!
- When Strengths are High but Impact is Low in Quadrant 4, activities provide low Results, Energy, and little Movement, they Offer less passion, Value, and Engagement – Remove It!
For choosing priorities in longer range planning, ask “Does this contribute to purpose?” and “Will this meet needs?”
Activities that are GREAT priorities:
• Give BIG impact
• Really significant
• Engage strengths
• Are meaningful
• Target purpose
What results when these are put together, is a Priority Matrix Flow. Download the Priority Matrix Flow pdf.
Run choices through this priority flow to focus on what really matters and Make Shift Happen.
My original thoughts about a priority flowchart included Return on Investment.
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.
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