Urgent/Important Matrix: What Should I Do First?

Name: _________________________ Date: _________________________

This matrix helps you decide what tasks to focus on. Urgent tasks need to be done now. Important tasks help you achieve your goals.

Instructions:

1. Think about all the tasks you have for the next week (school, home, personal).
2. Write each task in the box where you think it belongs.

The Matrix

Quadrant 1: Urgent & Important (DO FIRST!)

These tasks are critical and need your immediate attention. Focus on these!

Examples: Homework due tomorrow, studying for a test next class, an emergency.

Quadrant 2: Important, Not Urgent (PLAN IT OUT!)

These tasks are crucial for your goals but don't need to be done right this second. Schedule time for these!

Examples: Reading a book for fun, working on a long-term project, exercising, spending time with family.

Quadrant 3: Urgent, Not Important (DELEGATE IF POSSIBLE!)

These tasks demand your attention now, but they don't necessarily help you achieve your important goals. Sometimes you can minimize these or get help.

Examples: Responding to some social media notifications, answering a non-critical text message.

Quadrant 4: Not Urgent & Not Important (ELIMINATE OR DO LATER!)

These tasks are distractions. Try to avoid them or do them only after your important tasks are done.

Examples: Mindlessly scrolling through videos, playing video games when you have other tasks.

Reflection Questions:

1. What was the most surprising thing you noticed when you filled out your matrix?

1. Which quadrant do you think you spend the most time in? Why?

1. How might using this matrix help you feel less stressed or more successful?

My Weekly Schedule Template: Plan Your Superpower Week!

Name: _________________________ Date: _________________________

This template will help you plan out your week so you can make time for everything important! Remember, this is a guide, not a rigid rule. You can adjust it as needed.

Instructions:

1. Block out your fixed times: Start by writing in all your non-negotiable activities (school hours, extracurriculars, meals, sleep).
2. Add your Important, Not Urgent tasks: Look at your Urgent/Important Matrix. When can you schedule time for homework, studying, projects, or personal growth?
3. Include some fun! Make sure to block out time for hobbies, relaxation, and spending time with friends and family.
4. Review and Adjust: Is it realistic? Can you stick to it? Make changes if needed!

My Weekly Schedule

Reflection:

1. What was the easiest part of creating your schedule?
   
   
   
2. What was the most challenging part?
   
   
   
3. How do you feel now that you have a plan for your week?

Time Management Scenarios Game: What Would YOU Do?

Instructions: Read each scenario. Discuss with your partner or group how you would prioritize the tasks using the Urgent/Important Matrix. Be ready to share your reasoning!

Scenario 1: The Weekend Whirlwind

It's Friday afternoon. You have:

• A history project due Monday (counts for 40% of your grade).
• A friend's birthday party tonight that you RSVP'd to a month ago.
• Your parents asked you to clean your room by Sunday afternoon.
• You really want to watch the new episode of your favorite show that just came out.

Discuss: How would you prioritize these tasks for your weekend? Which quadrant would each fall into? What would you do first? What could wait?

Scenario 2: The Morning Rush

It's Tuesday morning. You just woke up and realize:

• You forgot to study for your science quiz that's in 1st period.
• Your mom needs help finding her keys before she leaves for work.
• You have a favorite breakfast cereal, but it's hidden behind a bunch of other boxes, and it will take a few minutes to get to it.
• Your best friend texts you with an exciting story they want to tell you right now.

Discuss: What do you do? How do you manage your morning? Which tasks are urgent? Which are important?

Scenario 3: The Group Project Problem

You're working on a group presentation due next week. Your part is to create the slides, and you need to finish them by Wednesday to give your group enough time to practice. It's Monday evening and you:

• Haven't started your slides yet.
• Received an invitation to a spontaneous movie night with friends, starting in an hour.
• Have soccer practice tonight until 7 PM.
• Your pet looks a little sad and you feel like you should spend extra time playing with them.

Discuss: What's your strategy? How do you ensure the project gets done while still managing other parts of your life? What might you need to say 'no' to, or reschedule?

Scenario 4: The Tech Temptation

You have an essay due tomorrow. You've been working on it for a while and you're almost done, but you keep getting notifications on your phone. You:

• Are 75% done with your essay, but it's late and you're tired.
• Keep getting notifications from a game you like, urging you to play.
• See a new video from your favorite YouTuber.
• Remember you promised to text a friend back an hour ago.

Discuss: How do you stay focused and finish the essay? What strategies can you use to avoid distractions? When would be a better time for the non-urgent, non-important tasks?

Game Reflection:

1. What was the most challenging scenario to decide on? Why?
   
   
   
   

2. Did working with others help you think about the scenarios differently?
   
   
   
   

3. What's one key takeaway from this game that you can apply to your own life?