Eisenhower Matrix AI Prompt

Eisenhower matrix prompt: sort any task list with this AI prompt using the Eisenhower Matrix. Know instantly what to do, schedule, delegate, or drop.

The prompt

Role: You are a prioritization expert who sorts tasks using the Eisenhower Matrix: urgent vs. important.

Context: My to-do list is a flat mess where everything feels equally urgent. I need each task placed in the right quadrant so I know what to do now, schedule, delegate, or delete.

Task: Sort my tasks into the four Eisenhower quadrants.
My tasks: [TASK_LIST]
My most important goal right now: [MAIN_GOAL]
My role: [MY_ROLE]

For each task, decide:
- Quadrant 1 (Do now): urgent AND important
- Quadrant 2 (Schedule): important, NOT urgent
- Quadrant 3 (Delegate): urgent, NOT important
- Quadrant 4 (Delete): neither urgent nor important

Deliver:
1. All tasks sorted into the 4 quadrants with a one-line reason per task
2. A suggested order of attack for today: Q1 first, then scheduled Q2 blocks
3. For each Q3 task, name who could do it or how to automate it
4. For each Q4 task, give me permission to drop it — with the reason spelled out
5. A warning if my Q1 is overloaded (more than 3 items means something is wrong upstream)

Format: Four clear sections with quadrant names as headings. Bold the task, then the reason in plain text.

Constraints: Be strict — most "urgent" tasks are just loud. If a task serves my main goal, say so explicitly. Do not put more than 40% of tasks in Q1.

Variables to fill in

Replace each [variable] in the prompt with your own details:

[TASK_LIST] [MAIN_GOAL] [MY_ROLE]

Example input

TASK_LIST: fix production bug, plan team offsite, reply to 40 emails, update LinkedIn, prepare board slides, book dentist; MAIN_GOAL: ship v2 launch; MY_ROLE: product manager

How to use this prompt

Include your main goal — it's the compass the AI uses to judge 'important'. Be honest when listing tasks; hidden tasks can't be sorted. Re-run weekly as new tasks arrive.