The How of Business - How to start, run, grow and exit a small business.

587 – Eisenhower Matrix Prioritization

Nov 10, 2025

Struggling with an endless to-do list? Discover how the Eisenhower Matrix can help you prioritize tasks and regain control of your time. This method distinguishes between what's urgent and what's truly important, allowing you to focus on what drives your business forward. Explore how it complements the Big Rocks approach and learn about a free AI-powered task management tool designed for efficiency. Transform your daily chaos into intentional productivity and say goodbye to decision fatigue!

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ADVICE

Prioritize What To Do Next

Use the Eisenhower Matrix to decide what to work on right now, today, or this hour.
Prioritize tasks by urgency and importance instead of checking items sequentially.

INSIGHT

From Employee Structure To Owner Overload

Business owners inherit a huge to-do list because no one else directs their work anymore.
Without a prioritization system you default to reactive work and constant overwhelm.

ADVICE

Schedule Your Big Rocks First

Schedule and protect your Big Rocks weekly and tie them to quarterly strategy.
Block time for 3–5 important tasks you can complete in 30–120 minutes each week.

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How to use the Eisenhower Matrix to cut through chaos, focus on what truly matters, and make faster, smarter decisions as a small business owner.

Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/587-eisenhower-matrix-prioritization/

Feeling overwhelmed by your never-ending to-do list? In this episode, Henry Lopez explains how to use the Eisenhower Matrix—a simple yet powerful framework—to prioritize your daily tasks and regain control of your time.

Originally developed by Dwight D. Eisenhower and later popularized by Stephen Covey in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, the matrix helps business owners separate what's urgent from what's important, so they can focus on activities that truly move their business forward instead of reacting to every fire.

Henry walks through how this framework complements the Big Rocks time management approach (Episode 569) and why most entrepreneurs mistakenly live in "urgent mode," constantly firefighting instead of leading strategically. He also shares how the Eisenhower Matrix inspired the creation of his free Task Management Tool, co-developed with his son-in-law, Colin Rhoades, using AI technology.

"What is important is seldom urgent, and what is urgent is seldom important." — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Henry and Colin also discuss how AI made it possible to create this simple browser-based productivity tool in just a few hours - proof that automation can make business life simpler in more ways than one.

Listen to learn how to: Reduce overwhelm by categorizing tasks by urgency and importance. Identify your "Big Rocks" and schedule them intentionally. Use the Eisenhower Matrix for daily and even hourly decision-making...

This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com