How to stay focused
in a distracted world
A shift in how you prioritise what matters
We all get 24 hours. So why do some people feel calm and productive, while others feel busy but stuck?
The answer isn’t doing more—it’s doing what truly matters.
Stephen Covey’s Time Management Matrix helps you see how your time is spent—and where it should go.
He divides all tasks into 4 quadrants, based on two questions:
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Is it important? (Does it truly matter in the long run?)
Is it urgent? (Does it need your attention right now?)
TO DO LIST
If someone else is responsible, assign it and move it to your “Waiting For” list.
WAITING FOR ________ LIST
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?
WHAT IS THE TASK?
WHEN TO FOLLOW UP?
Next Actions List: Tasks you can do anytime without a fixed schedule.
Maintain two lists:
i. Do Next List – For the earliest free time
ii. Do Later List – For when you have extra energy
Pick from these anytime to stay productive.
DO NEXT LIST
DO LATER LIST
GOLDEN 2 MINUTE RULE
From your 'Do Next' list, star the tasks that take less than 2 minutes—and do them immediately. It’s faster than tracking and coming back to them later.
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Master this simple system to stay organized, reduce stress, and always know what to do next—without feeling overwhelmed.