As I finished writing my previous article, I thought of something interesting. Why not apply this to my life? So I did. I took the projects that I had and placed them into the grid.

There was only one problem: it was too “business-centric.” There was no happiness involvement. I feel like the 2D matrix above should be transformed into a 3D matrix with X = Effort, Y = Impact, and Z = Happiness. At that point, you can accurately plot your personal projects and see how they fit into your productivity cube as well.

How to Apply the Regular Eisenhower Matrix to Your Life?

The Eisenhower Matrix is a powerful tool for prioritizing tasks and making the most efficient use of your time. Here are the steps you can take to apply the Eisenhower Matrix to your life:

Start by making a list of all the tasks you need to complete, no matter how small or large they are. It can be helpful to use a task management app or a physical planner to keep track of everything.

Next, categorize each task into one of four categories based on its urgency and importance:

• Urgent and important (Do first): These tasks are both urgent and important and should be tackled immediately.
• Important but not urgent (Schedule): These tasks are important but not urgent, so schedule them to be completed at a later time.
• Urgent but not important (Delegate): These tasks are urgent but not important, so delegate them to someone else if possible.
• Not urgent and not important (Eliminate): These tasks are neither urgent nor important, so eliminate them from your to-do list altogether.

Once you’ve categorized all your tasks, prioritize them based on their urgency and importance. Start by tackling the tasks in the “Do first” category, then move on to the “Schedule” tasks. Delegate the tasks in the “Delegate” category and eliminate the tasks in the “Eliminate” category.

Regularly review and revise your task list, making sure that you’re focusing on the most important and urgent tasks.

Eisenhower Matrix 2.0

It turns out that my big epiphany was already thought off, like most things. It turns out that the Eisenhower Matrix can be adapted to include a third dimension, such as happiness or fulfillment. This is sometimes referred to as the “Eisenhower Matrix 2.0” or the “Eisenhower Matrix with a Soul.”

In this version of the matrix, tasks are evaluated not only based on their urgency and importance, but also on their alignment with your personal values, goals, and sense of purpose. This can help ensure that you’re not just prioritizing tasks based on their urgency or importance, but also considering how they contribute to your overall sense of well-being and satisfaction.

To apply the Eisenhower Matrix with a Soul, follow these steps:

1. Create a list of all the tasks you need to complete, as in the standard version of the matrix.
2. Categorize each task based on its urgency and importance, as in the standard version of the matrix.
3. For each task, ask yourself: Does this task align with my personal values and goals? Will completing this task contribute to my overall sense of happiness and fulfillment?
4. Based on your answers to these questions, adjust the placement of each task within the matrix. For example, a task that is urgent and important but doesn’t align with your personal values or goals may be moved down in priority, while a task that is less urgent but highly meaningful to you may be moved up in priority.
5. Prioritize your tasks based on their alignment with your personal values and goals, as well as their urgency and importance.

By incorporating a third dimension into the Eisenhower Matrix, you can create a more holistic approach to task management that takes into account not only what needs to be done, but also what will bring you the most happiness and fulfillment in the long run.

Balancing Leadership Responsibilities with Personal Commitments

As a CIO, the weight of leadership is both a privilege and a challenge. The tech landscape is dynamic, and my role isn’t confined to technological oversight; it encompasses vision, strategy, and fostering a culture of innovation. Every decision, every project, and every strategic move demands a meticulous balance of its potential impact against the effort it requires.

However, beyond the boardrooms and strategy sessions, there’s another role I hold dear: that of a father and a husband. Ensuring I’m there for my child’s milestones and being a present partner for my wife are commitments that I value immensely. These aren’t mere tasks on a checklist; they’re the essence of what gives life its depth and meaning.

This is where the evolved Eisenhower Matrix, especially with its added dimension of ‘Happiness,’ becomes invaluable. It’s not just about prioritizing work projects but also about ensuring I allocate time and energy to those personal moments that truly matter. It’s a tool that helps me navigate the complexities of leadership while staying anchored to my family values.

Incorporating this matrix into my daily life has been transformative. It serves as a constant reminder that while professional success is important, true fulfillment comes from a harmonious blend of career achievements and personal contentment. As I chart the course for technological innovation in my organization, I also ensure that I’m carving out moments of connection, laughter, and love with my family.