EASY - How to Prioritize Your TO DO List


How to Use the Eisenhower Matrix to Actually Get Stuff Done 

(Without Burning Out)

If you’ve ever stared at your to-do list and thought, “Where do I even start?” — you’re not alone. Between work, life, self-care, and the random chaos of adulthood, prioritizing can feel impossible (especially if you’re neurodivergent, juggling executive dysfunction, or easily overwhelmed).

That’s where the Eisenhower Matrix comes in. It’s a simple, visual tool that helps you figure out what needs your attention now, what can wait, what you can delegate, and what you can straight-up drop. Let’s break it down.


The Four Quadrants

Think of the Eisenhower Matrix like a square split into four boxes:

  1. Urgent + Important → Do it now.

  2. Not Urgent + Important → Schedule it for later.

  3. Urgent + Not Important → Delegate or automate if possible.

  4. Not Urgent + Not Important → Delete it from your list (yes, really).

How to Apply It (Neurodivergent-Friendly Tips)

  • Color-code your quadrants – Visual cues are your friend. Use highlighters, sticky notes, or a digital app that lets you tag tasks by quadrant.

  • Chunk tasks into micro-steps – Instead of writing “Finish project,” break it down into “Open project file” → “Write intro” → “Edit section one.” Place each step in the right quadrant.

  • Set a timer – If urgency feels abstract, use a timer (like Pomodoro) to create a sense of structure without pressure.

  • Schedule recharge time – Put self-care in the “Important but Not Urgent” box. Future-you will thank present-you.

  • Give yourself permission to delete – If something keeps living in the “Not Important + Not Urgent” box, that’s your sign to let it go.

A Relatable Example

Let’s say your week looks like this:

  • Pay rent (Urgent + Important) → Do today.

  • Therapy appointment (Not Urgent + Important) → It’s scheduled, keep it.

  • Respond to random group chat (Urgent + Not Important) → Mute or reply later.

  • Scrolling TikTok for 2 hours (Not Urgent + Not Important) → Probably delete… or at least set a limit.

Why It Works

The Eisenhower Matrix isn’t about becoming a productivity robot. It’s about:

  • Reducing decision fatigue

  • Creating structure when executive dysfunction hits

  • Protecting your energy from burnout

  • Making sure your real priorities don’t get lost in the noise

✨ Bottom line: The Eisenhower Matrix is like a brain externalizer. Instead of spinning in overwhelm, you give your tasks a home, so you can focus on what actually matters (and ditch what doesn’t).