5 STEPS TO CREATING A PRIORITY MATRIX

In the two previous posts, I walked you through the process of defining core values and the process of defining personal needs.

This post will show you how to turn those two processes into a priority matrix that will allow you to set your priorities based on urgency, importance, and time frame.

A FEW THINGS AT A TIME

After going through the process of defining my core values and personal needs, I have seven core values and six personal needs.

The next step is to prioritize the values and needs. My first attempt to prioritize into four categories of urgent, not urgent, important, and not important did not work. I feel like they are all important, but some take priority over others.

So, I used the Eisenhower Matrix with a few tweaks to cut the list down to five.

THE EISENHOWER MATRIX REIMAGINED

Step One: Create a four-section matrix. The original Eisenhower Matrix labeled the bottom row as not important. I changed that to less important.

Step Two: Define each area. I added descriptions for future reference. I also did some color coding.

Step Three: Add core values to the matrix.

Step Four: Add your personal needs to the matrix.

Step Five: Add priority indicators. Financial independence is a core value that is made up of many parts and pieces, but financial independence itself is not urgent. Some of the elements of financial independence are urgent, so I made it a priority and highlighted it.

These three processes together become a set of standards that allows you to act in your immediate, short-term, mid-term, and long-term best interest. They can help you find your way back to yourself if you ever get lost in the busyness of your life.

Did you learn anything new about your priorities after going through this process?