The Eisenhower Matrix

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  • Опубліковано 3 вер 2018
  • In which John discusses what is important, what is urgent, and how to get things done.
    p.s. I'll be in comments, but one thing I want to note here is that productivity need not be about work, or maximizing output or whatever. There are lots of ways to be productive. To me, productivity is mostly a matter of recognizing that time is what we have.
    ----
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 770

  • @pkwitbrod
    @pkwitbrod 5 років тому +539

    Watching the new vlogbrothers. Urgent and Important!

    • @vlogbrothers
      @vlogbrothers  5 років тому +54

      hahaha thanks! -John

    • @Rosalie_Jansen
      @Rosalie_Jansen 5 років тому +10

      Pssst...! You know what's also urgent and important? Checking out the new Secret Project happening over at the Nerdfighter subreddit! If you want to do something nice for Hank and John and you're interested in being part the project, just google 'Secret Project - No peeking, Hank and John' for more info!

    • @secretproject4149
      @secretproject4149 5 років тому +4

      Shhhhh! It's a secret!

    • @ruthiecarroll312
      @ruthiecarroll312 5 років тому

      +

    • @theodored2830
      @theodored2830 5 років тому

      Patrick Witbrod ditto

  • @SciJoy
    @SciJoy 5 років тому +489

    To me - the goal of productivity is to get more things done that I want to do with less stress.

    • @vlogbrothers
      @vlogbrothers  5 років тому +50

      Yes! Less stress! -John

    • @untappedinkwell
      @untappedinkwell 5 років тому +3

      @SciJoy, I am also on team less stress. DFTBA!

    • @anthonybowman3423
      @anthonybowman3423 5 років тому +3

      I'm guess team more stress is dramatically lacking in members, but you never know.

    • @Rosalie_Jansen
      @Rosalie_Jansen 5 років тому +1

      I feel like the entire Trump team is on team more stress :O

    • @doctorbobstone
      @doctorbobstone 5 років тому

      @@anthonybowman3423 I've had bosses who believed that it was their job to put people on Team More Stress. Also there are plenty of people who think it's the only way to be successful.
      I mean you're totally right that Team Less Stress should be the obvious choice, but it's surprising how many don't feel that way.

  • @RainaRamsay
    @RainaRamsay 5 років тому +146

    New favorite John Green quote: "I would argue that life is not about becoming the most efficient problem-solving value-creation machine you can become, it's also about fulfillment and enjoyment, so if there are un-important un-urgent things you love, they AREN'T ACTUALLY UNIMPORTANT."

    • @Pfhorrest
      @Pfhorrest 5 років тому +4

      see the thing is though, while that's true in the abstract, survival under capitalism hinges entirely on pretending that it's not.
      your value to the system upon which your life depends has nothing to do with your happiness, and everything to do with you being an efficient value-creation machine for your overlords.

    • @caleb7006
      @caleb7006 5 років тому +1

      Yeah, but I value my happiness more than I value my value to the system

    • @Pfhorrest
      @Pfhorrest 5 років тому

      Do you value your happiness more than your survival? I don't know about you, but I find challenges to my survival make me pretty unhappy.
      So I have to choose between sacrificing a lot of my happiness for a long time to facilitate my continued survival, or being a little happier for a while until I'm soon dying and very, very unhappy. I end up mostly unhappy either way, but at least the first way I'm alive to experience the little bits of happiness there are to be had here and there.

    • @caleb7006
      @caleb7006 5 років тому +2

      Yeah, but I'm not in immediate danger of dying so I think for the time being I can treat my happiness as important.

    • @ericmiller93
      @ericmiller93 Рік тому

      It’s a little wordy.

  • @willsowter6857
    @willsowter6857 5 років тому +239

    ‘An urgent desire to eat several times a day’. Me too, John, me too

    • @grantbaugh2773
      @grantbaugh2773 5 років тому +3

      Several *dozen* times a day…

    • @dinocitozi9216
      @dinocitozi9216 5 років тому

      If you have the desire to eat alot then you need to manage your Chimp in you. Your Chimp needs a treat for sure like a banana but needs to be manage. Take a look Chimp Paradox if you haven't seen before and you might know what I am on about. Is pretty cool.

  • @shaunaaaah
    @shaunaaaah 5 років тому +228

    Pro-tip: turn off push notifications for everything but the essential.

    • @vlogbrothers
      @vlogbrothers  5 років тому +49

      Or even the essential! -John

    • @Ludix147
      @Ludix147 5 років тому +7

      @John: Well no, that stuff is essential.

    • @Rosalie_Jansen
      @Rosalie_Jansen 5 років тому +5

      So, just new Vlogbrothers videos then.

    • @irishtrash5
      @irishtrash5 5 років тому +7

      I would argue that push notifications are themselves not urgent or important.
      Calendar notifications should be the only notifications that have importance, as long as you've scheduled everything in.... And everything not scheduled in shouldn't deserve a notification....
      Sincerely,
      Someone who schedules nothing. 👀

    • @KaijaSchmauss
      @KaijaSchmauss 5 років тому

      This is why I don't have push notifications on for anything except texts and the Discord server my friends and I have.

  • @disastergirl888
    @disastergirl888 5 років тому +134

    I can’t believe how relevant this is to my life right now...

    • @jesseengland456
      @jesseengland456 5 років тому +2

      disastergirl888 community college freshmen here

  • @FroehligGirlz
    @FroehligGirlz 5 років тому +138

    What we all forget is that it takes time to think. It takes exponentially more time as the number of people involved in the thinking. Thank you, John, for giving us pause to prioritize, which tops the list of immediacy and importance.

    • @vlogbrothers
      @vlogbrothers  5 років тому +27

      Yeah, time for thinking is so underrated! I have to work very hard to create quiet space, because it's only the quiet space that allows me to make work I'm proud of. -John

  • @schmoyoho
    @schmoyoho 5 років тому +58

    I watched this video instead of answering important emails, but it was worth it because it MAXIMIZED MY JOY (and future usage of this 2x2 matrix)

  • @GeffenTzabanHydraPod
    @GeffenTzabanHydraPod 5 років тому +116

    it's crazy how much the podcast adds to these videos...it recontextualizes them completely

    • @slocorini
      @slocorini 5 років тому +4

      Geffen Tzaban what podcast are you referring to? I didn’t know they had one!

    • @GeffenTzabanHydraPod
      @GeffenTzabanHydraPod 5 років тому +15

      @@slocorini it's called "Dear Hank & John" and it's available for free on the internet. I recommend it very much.

    • @StephanieLuff
      @StephanieLuff 5 років тому +3

      Do they talk more about this problem? I would *love* to hear Hank & John talk more on this exact subject.

    • @ruthiecarroll312
      @ruthiecarroll312 5 років тому +3

      Do you remember which episode contextualizes this video? I too would love to hear more

    • @ominoustomato
      @ominoustomato 5 років тому +6

      Ruthie Carroll They're almost always talking about how much they hate Twitter ahahaha. I think it was mentioned more heavily in the recent episode 'thank you, hot fries!' I listen to the podcast on the way to school in the morning.

  • @elenanowak4074
    @elenanowak4074 5 років тому +65

    "We need to leave room for happiness." I really have to remember this!

    • @Rosalie_Jansen
      @Rosalie_Jansen 5 років тому +4

      If you have some room left for happiness, go check out the new Secret Project that aims to put more happiness in the world and more specifically intends to direct that happiness at Hank and John. You can find out all about it if you visit the post on the Nerdfighter subreddit, just google 'Secret Project - no peeking, Hank and John!' and you'll find it!

    • @elenanowak4074
      @elenanowak4074 5 років тому

      @@Rosalie_Jansen Thank you! Sounds awesome, I'll definitely check it out!

  • @InvasiveWargaming
    @InvasiveWargaming 5 років тому +495

    Thanks for clearing that honeysuckle, John!
    Sincerely,
    Someone that wrote their dissertation on honeysuckle

    • @vlogbrothers
      @vlogbrothers  5 років тому +62

      It is just the worst. -John

    • @ThisIsReMarkable
      @ThisIsReMarkable 5 років тому +21

      Hello person who wrote their dissertation on Honeysuckle, Could you possibly explain how such a despicable. presumably invasive plant was adorned with such a delightful name?
      Thank you,
      -Mark, a fellow Nerdfighter; Tuatarian

    • @loherring277
      @loherring277 5 років тому +8

      I had to pause the video to research why one would clear honeysuckle. I had no idea - “honeysuckle” sounds so pleasant.

    • @InvasiveWargaming
      @InvasiveWargaming 5 років тому +42

      Hi Mark. Yes, there are several plant species called "honeysuckle" that are invasive in North America. Honeysuckle is a common name that can be variable between regions and dialects. This is different than a species' latin name, which is universal. John is probably talking about Lonicera maackii, but there are a few other Lonicera species that can be found in Indiana that are also called honeysuckle. Most invasive honeysuckle species were imported to North America from Asia as ornamental plants and while they were originally benign, they eventually escaped and became invasive in their introduced range. Like all invasive species, the common name predates invasion, so honeysuckles are named to reflect their sweet smell and nectar production and not their invasive properties or impacts.

    • @anthonynorman7545
      @anthonynorman7545 5 років тому +11

      @@InvasiveWargaming +
      Also, your name is perfect for this!

  • @vlogsbyrow
    @vlogsbyrow 5 років тому +91

    OH MY GOD IT'S BURNING is both important and urgent.

    • @KatrinaEames
      @KatrinaEames 5 років тому +3

      And when you don't deal with it your kitchen catches on fire and then it is even more important and urgent.

  • @TheOtherKT
    @TheOtherKT 5 років тому +16

    A lot of times, we take the word "important" as synonymous with "productive", and so taking half an hour leaning back in a chair napping and/or watching a Netflix show (for example) never gets sorted as important. But we can sometimes forget that self-care is also important, and so reserving time for a mental health break on a regular basis is important. And if you're starting to feel really frazzled with disruptive amounts of stress, maybe bump it up to urgent as well.
    Basically, work and chores aren't the only things in life that get to be important. (See also: Hank's "Fun is important" video from way back when.)

  • @JayKBishop
    @JayKBishop 5 років тому +93

    Watching this video was urgent and important.

    • @Rosalie_Jansen
      @Rosalie_Jansen 5 років тому +2

      Pssst...! Checking out the new Secret Project happening over at the Nerdfighter subreddit is also urgent and important! If you want to do something nice for Hank and John and you're interested in being part the project, just google 'Secret Project - No peeking, Hank and John' for more info!

    • @secretproject4149
      @secretproject4149 5 років тому +2

      Shhhhh! Don't let the Vlogbrothers hear!

  • @mountainbikingvampirewitch
    @mountainbikingvampirewitch 3 роки тому +42

    John: "we are much better at addressing emergencies like disease outbreaks"
    Me in 2020: yeah...

    • @alexreid1173
      @alexreid1173 Рік тому +1

      I mean arguably we did a better job with covid than climate change. The bar is not very high

  • @matthewgilpincom
    @matthewgilpincom 5 років тому +4

    This is the actual video that I needed today. I've just been on a creative retreat, which inspired me to want to write and to create. In the past few days I've been fairly depressed. Planning for a party, obligations to my director, applying for other jobs, dealing with personal problems, editing deadlines. It all piled up and felt like haven't got enough time to relax.
    Watching Great British Bakeoff is in my non-urgent Important square. So I'm going to make time for it.

  • @moiradarling97
    @moiradarling97 5 років тому +5

    Preordering Hanks book “An Absolutely Remarkable Thing” which comes out September 25 and is available in almost every store near you for preorder (sign and unsigned), is both urgent AND important!

  • @FutureNow
    @FutureNow 5 років тому +142

    Feeling like I'm in a mental pit of depression, stress, and anxiety today with a long list of "urgent" tasks mostly work related but also personal life related I'm just thinking about it while frozen. So yeah I could use some sort of structure to help me get through some of these things.

    • @TomK2602
      @TomK2602 5 років тому +11

      What always helps me is talking my schedule and tasks through with a coachlike person. It helps me to get an overview and a plan of my tasks, and because they don't get the same fear-paralysis as I do, we still carry on and tackle the most urgent tasks.
      For me these people have been for example faculty study advisers, my physician, my psychologist and also sometimes family/friends. And I might just consider weekly/monthly sessions with a professional coach when I graduate and get a job.
      Not sure if this helps, but I hope you'll pull through this state of yours

    • @rekindle7602
      @rekindle7602 5 років тому

      @@TomK2602 + very good advice. I wish I'd had this advice two years ago.

    • @FRIPB
      @FRIPB 5 років тому +2

      I often feel the same, I recently started reading "feeling good" from David D. Burns, M.D. and i really like it maybe it can help you too. I got it for 9 pounds.

    • @FroehligGirlz
      @FroehligGirlz 5 років тому +8

      Prioritize sleep. If you're running at half-capacity for 20 hours per day, you might as well be sleeping for 14. Just say no to *everything* when it's bedtime... which should be about 9 hours before you need (really need, like we all cram mornings into fractions of minutes) to get up. If you have a fresh morning hour to spend on something cognitively intense, all the better. Defend your brain health like your life depends on it...oh wait... it does. It's excellent practice for enforcing other sane boundaries.
      Kings built and defended castles (sacrificed lives) for good food, easy sex, and a good night's sleep.

    • @anniekate76
      @anniekate76 5 років тому +6

      It's literally impossible to do a long list of tasks, you can only do A task. One at a time. So just take one thing from the list, write it on its own slip of paper, tape it up, hide the entire rest of the list and start on the single thing you picked. If you don't know which to pick, you can pick semi-randomly, because something getting done is better than nothing getting done.

  • @jadagrisson3549
    @jadagrisson3549 5 років тому +9

    As a sophomore in college the distinction between what is urgent and what is important (as well as where they intersect) is something that I've only considered on an unconscious level, if at all. Here's to hoping this new consideration can relieve a bit of anxiety this semester. *makes cheers motion* Unrelated note: my friend and I are skipping a meeting of our campus's chapter of English Honors Society to see you and Hank. The irony of this is not lost on anyone.

    • @FroehligGirlz
      @FroehligGirlz 5 років тому +2

      If you find yourself lying awake worrying, "What if...?". just go ahead and go there. Unknowns are scary. Have a plan for eventualities, and you're likely pretty much good to go. Addressing your anxiety is both urgent and important.... Kinda critical, actually.... (Things I Wish My Parents Would Have Taught Me: item #203 ;P ). Hope that helps your world suck a little less.

    • @armorsmith43
      @armorsmith43 5 років тому

      Part of this is being willing to trust your judgement about what is important. You have decided that seeing Hank and John is more important and that is your right as an adult who now has control over your time.

  • @p0ssumfruitbat
    @p0ssumfruitbat 5 років тому +4

    One thing I find particularly helpful with the "important but not urgent" bracket (or really any task on some bad mental health days) is breaking them down into smaller tasks, so it doesn't seem like it's going to take up as much time or effort as it will - something like getting a new passport becomes getting the forms one day, filling them out another, get the photos on another, etc etc. Helps the tasks get done while also not making me feel guilty for doing them instead of the "more urgent" things

    • @armorsmith43
      @armorsmith43 5 років тому

      Quizky this is something that I find really useful to. It’s especially useful at work because it makes it easier to communicate with others about the task and to notice when you need external resources

  • @BFedie518
    @BFedie518 3 роки тому +11

    "We're great at emergencies like disease outbreaks"
    Well that didn't age well.

  • @fawwazelahi3710
    @fawwazelahi3710 5 років тому

    This quickly became one of my favourite vlogbrothers videos

  • @adnanmohamud9883
    @adnanmohamud9883 5 років тому +31

    Whenever the greens make a new video, It makes my day

  • @sararistic237
    @sararistic237 5 років тому

    The timing of your video is spot on as I am having this conflict in my noggin (and outside it) literally RIGHT NOW. The synchronicity is strong with this one. Thank you for a weekly peak into your noggin.

  • @Aatagawa25
    @Aatagawa25 5 років тому

    John, thank you so much for this topic. This actually really helps me put things into perspective, as I to only address the non-urgent and important things at night when there is nothing to do about them. The urgent makes me feel guilty about writing, and yet time and time again I see how failing to prioritize it turns itself into an urgent problem when all productivity ceases. Scheduling un-interruptible time is probably the greatest piece of advice I have gotten on this, thank you

  • @shondralyon-brown1603
    @shondralyon-brown1603 5 років тому

    Thanks for sharing, John. As is often the case recently with your videos, this one just seemed to show up on my feed right when I needed it the most.

  • @alyssamgarcia007
    @alyssamgarcia007 5 років тому

    Hi John! Very long time viewer, but rare commenter. I just wanted to say thank you for this video helping to put some things into perspective for me. I have been going through a lot of very stressful things lately such as graduating from grad school, taking my occupational therapy board exam (passed, YAY!), and currently trying to find a job (not so yay). I had a particularly rough day today for various reasons, but as always I make time for your videos every Tuesday and Friday while I'm winding down for the day and I'm so glad that I did. Thank you for helping me realize what's important (taking time for myself) and what is not (constantly comparing myself to my peers on social media). You really made my day better.

  • @voldysgonemoldy95
    @voldysgonemoldy95 5 років тому +1

    This was perfectly timed for my life-I just started grad school after a year out of school, and I’m quickly falling into the urgency of all of my assignments and readings. The Eisenhower matrix sounds like something I should really start following. Great video, once again 😊😊

  • @journalsbysophie
    @journalsbysophie 5 років тому

    I had no idea about this. Thank you for introducing this concept into my life, I really need to do this. About writing, I think it's important for you to remember that it is something you enjoy, yes it is your job, but don't let anyone push you into writing a new novel just because you have to (I know easier said than done) but like you said it gives you happiness and helps with your mental health, write because of that. And if there isn't a new novel I'm not going to lie I will be sad because I love your books, but I much prefer you being okay and happy. My mom used to say "If you want me to do it right, don't rush me" I always think of that when my own anxiety rushes me. Thank you for this video DFTBA

  • @cameronparkinson8580
    @cameronparkinson8580 5 років тому

    The endings of your videos are always so darn good. Everything comes full circle and the message of the video is rempathised and clear.

  • @KerriCz
    @KerriCz 5 років тому

    I love this video! It's definitely something I can relate to. I'm pretty good at getting urgent and important things done, but you mentioned what my problem is - recognizing that leisure time, or time i spend things doing that I actually want to do, is not unimportant! Some days I will finish watching a Netflix series, or finish playing a video game I love, and feel "productive." And then I'll think that's not productivity - I'm just wasting my time! But the truth is, if I enjoy it, and I'm still managing to get the "adulting" things done, then there is nothing wrong with it. Sometimes I struggle with using my free time to do fun things, thinking I should be doing something more "important" - but without doing those things, life is just blah!

  • @shelbot
    @shelbot 5 років тому

    Today was my first day back at school as a speech-language pathologist, and I didn’t realize how much I needed this video until I finished watching it just now. 😅 There is so much paperwork and planning involved in my job, and I also love creating materials for my students with limited communication skills AND collaborating with their teachers and other therapists, but there are just never enough hours in the day!! Thank you, as always, for your perspective, John!

  • @badatlettingo
    @badatlettingo 5 років тому

    I just love the amount of information and wisdom you share (regardless of the topic) in such short period of time. I really enjoy watching these and feeling good for a couple of minutes i.e. until the existential dread inevitably creeps in and reminds me I should be doing something else

  • @MistElvensword
    @MistElvensword 5 років тому

    john, your videos are always wonderful, but especially this one to me right now. thank you.

  • @nathanlee7078
    @nathanlee7078 5 років тому +4

    I think the trick for including self care in the Eisenhower matrix is realizing that most people use ‘important’ to mean important to someone else, something your boss, your professor, your friend needs you to get done. The things you need done for yourself are just as important as things you need done for other people.

  • @notaaccpp
    @notaaccpp 5 років тому

    You sir, have a special place in my heart ❤️ Thank you so much for your videos and your novels! You and Hank make me really happy! They say you can’t change the world but you can change someone’s world. Well, you changed mine ❤️

  • @anderstaylor6694
    @anderstaylor6694 5 років тому +1

    Something that changed me was going from "I don't have time" to "It's not a priority". It's similar to how you ended the video and helps me contextualize different things I want to do.

  • @samsmith5947
    @samsmith5947 5 років тому

    With the start of the new school year and deadlines (important and urgent) overwhelming all else in my life, this was a great diagram to be introduced to. Thank you!

  • @SlugLineMediaProd
    @SlugLineMediaProd 5 років тому

    Damn, John. This video landed right behind my eyes this week. It's a topic I've been thinking about a lot recently too, and for a lot of the same reasons. Thanks for sharing; sometimes it's just nice to know you're not the only one.

  • @rachelclarke1694
    @rachelclarke1694 5 років тому +18

    I'm waiting for the barrage of panicked comments regarding your "if there is a next one" when you're referring to writing another book.
    Thanks for the great video John! In a quite stressful time this video helped a lot. Hope you're having a wonderful day!

  • @kimberleyrichard3880
    @kimberleyrichard3880 5 років тому

    I find your videos and tone of voice really soothing, I don't think I've ever commented here but I always admire and appreciate this channel's content as well as your books so thank you and your brother for that 😊💪🏻

  • @DanielBParada
    @DanielBParada 5 років тому

    Hey John I just wanted to say thank you so so very much for teaching me about the Eisenhower matrix and for the first time giving me a great way to understand the importance of having a schedule I never really got it until now. Thank you honestly thank you.

  • @francescakyanda9182
    @francescakyanda9182 2 роки тому +1

    Y’all’s content is ALWAYS urgent and important in my mind

  • @mvwinf
    @mvwinf 5 років тому +340

    Your titles always confuse and worry me. Your videos rarely do.

  • @zachgoldstein9063
    @zachgoldstein9063 5 років тому

    This is my favorite vlogbrothers video I've seen in a while. More like these please!

  • @beeslytherin3946
    @beeslytherin3946 5 років тому

    I have a urgent and desire to eat multiple times a day too John. I'm so happy to have found this UA-cam channel the other day. You are one of my favorite authors and you are just so relatable to me

  • @RobotLovesKitten
    @RobotLovesKitten 5 років тому

    This really spoke to me and is something I have been struggling with professionally and personally. It is easy to get caught in a spiral that insists everything has to be done NOW which leads to nothing getting done. So. Thanks for this gentle reminder about joy and order.

  • @xingmei818
    @xingmei818 5 років тому

    another awesome relatable video. gah John. this was on my mind as well. i found out about this my first year of college and when deadlines abound everything is important and urgent. now, I'm an architect and gah. still at a loss. cheers!

  • @vibeswithval
    @vibeswithval 5 років тому

    this man is my hero and I can never get enough to his voice and how he explains things.

  • @origamirock
    @origamirock 5 років тому

    I have nothing but time but can't ever seem to find that much needed and very elusive inspiration.

  • @robcol125
    @robcol125 5 років тому

    Who do your videos (both Johns and Hanks) seem to come at the right time and say all the right things? Please keep being you.
    A grateful nerdfigther,DFTBA

  • @krymbus2000
    @krymbus2000 5 років тому

    time and time again i find myself in a deep ditch of sadness and hopelessness but you brothers Green somehow help me to find light. I'm endlessly grateful for that.

  • @Mehrnooshb
    @Mehrnooshb 5 років тому

    I was feeling very hopeless about my goals, especially in this time of horrible economic problems in my country Iran, but this method might actually help me with some of my goals and plans. Or at least, it’s given me some hope. So thanks John! For everything you do and everything you help us with.

  • @annaathena5764
    @annaathena5764 5 років тому

    I remember reading this a while back on Wait but Why, an awesome blog that often ironically does topics on procrastination, seeing as there have been several hiatuses, but I certainly needed the reminder.

  • @DaellusKnights
    @DaellusKnights 2 роки тому

    As the recently installed "Head of Maintenance" at my job (which I felt woefully unprepared for...), I'm glad I saw this video if for nothing else the idea of that matrix. Methinks it's exactly what I've been looking for to help me prioritize things. I always love you guys videos, but this one especially. Thank you very many muches! 😻👍

  • @TheEgevejFamily
    @TheEgevejFamily 5 років тому

    So many good quotes in this! Found the whole video very uplifting, so thanks - I think I needed that.

  • @croxxx3262
    @croxxx3262 5 років тому +8

    John hank can I just let you know I love your videos and they really cheer me up! Thank you!!

    • @carlaafonso6194
      @carlaafonso6194 5 років тому

      You should check out the nerdfighteria subredit then

  • @robynm2121
    @robynm2121 5 років тому +4

    As a parent of 2 small children I feel like I spend all my time trying to decide how important or urgent things are and I rarely have time to actually do anything about them

    • @TheVexusKnight
      @TheVexusKnight 5 років тому +2

      I have some nieces and I know that see the tip of the iceberg of how much work it takes! You have my respect.

  • @starpasta
    @starpasta 5 років тому

    Such good, thoughtful stuff!

  • @aaamk3938
    @aaamk3938 5 років тому +1

    John, this came at a time when i really and truly needed it, and i can only hope it helps. Thank you for that sign
    🐗

  • @HouseMDaddict
    @HouseMDaddict 5 років тому

    This was perfect timing John. I'm at a new job (K-12 school counselor) and today is the first day. I started 3 weeks ago and did nothing but fix and do all that the previous counselor left unfinished. I've been very stressed because what I do affects the whole school (I create the master schedules, and then all of the student schedules too) and I've been trying to sort the priorities as best as I can.

  • @austencline8500
    @austencline8500 5 років тому

    Thank you John for this indispensable reminder to reflect on what really matters in one's life. Though this is not the first time I've been introduced to The Eisenhower Matrix, (Jessica, over at How to ADHD, did a fantastic video on this exact subject and it's wonderful) a regular reminder to invest my time in ways that I find fulfilling and important is always greatly appreciated. Now go get your will updated! Memento Mori! Austen

  • @rwhe423723
    @rwhe423723 5 років тому +1

    One of the best things I've done in terms of "time-management" (which really should be spun more as "self-management with respect to time" since our control only extends to how we use the 24 hours in a day, not the number of hours that are actually within the day) has been scheduling my free time. Those normally mindless tasks for things like playing video games or watching Netflix that would fall under Not Urgent/Not Important. The main benefit doing this has given has been to highlight the time that I do have to spend on it, giving a priority to my Me Time, rather than allowing it to take the form of me shirking something more urgent or more important. So when I'm outside of Me Time, I feel more compelled to work on those tasks and responsibilities that would be qualified as Important, but not yet Urgent. It makes it ever so easier to get started on those and move them to the finished pile, before I get overwhelmed by everything and let it all eventually crumble and decay into that upper left square.
    It sounds silly, but it just makes so many things better.
    That is probably where your busy friend was coming from. While they have a lot on their plate, those various tasks aren't in conflict if you're being responsible and focused with how you're spending the time that you have. Schedule an hour to hang out with a friend I haven't seen in forever? Sure, now I know I have 23 hours remaining to spend that day on other things.

  • @melissaferrin3054
    @melissaferrin3054 5 років тому

    And these are the vlogbrothers videos that kill me in the best way. So simple and human and hopeful. Thanks

  • @pondoflillies
    @pondoflillies 5 років тому

    I literally GASPED at the title of this video because I’ve been using this matrix since college and it’s helped me write a thesis and get to where I am in my career. I even had a big post-it note version on the wall in my cubicle for awhile (I got a lot of comments on it). My two top tips: 1. Define what important is before you start categorizing so you don’t get unimportant stuff in the important category (or vice versa!). I define it by setting goals and marking things as important if they have a measurable impact towards my goals. and 2. I highly encourage people to use this same matrix for like relationship and social development in addition to work because while it can really help you knock out a project it can also help you be happier and have better, deeper relationships- depending on how you define “important”. I LOVE this matrix!!!!

  • @satyadivyach4544
    @satyadivyach4544 5 років тому

    Thanks John, for another thought provoking video. This is something I needed right now. You've put a lot of things into perspective.

  • @AmeliaBell28
    @AmeliaBell28 5 років тому

    John is so good at making videos I need to see exactly when I need to see them.

  • @ColouredPenguins
    @ColouredPenguins 5 років тому

    Your videos add value and perspective to my life and for that I'm always grateful

  • @affenonkel
    @affenonkel 5 років тому

    I used this matrix at my last job and it helped me to prioritize and stay on top of my shit and it was SO HELPFUL. This increased my productivity and efficiency so much and it's fun to cross tasks off the list and end up with a mostly clean list on Friday. I just started a new job this week and can't wait to implement this system again.

  • @RobG93
    @RobG93 5 років тому

    I love how sometimes these video topics come along just at the right time even if you didn’t know it

  • @brandoncalvert8379
    @brandoncalvert8379 5 років тому +55

    Wait, does Hank employ that matrix constantly and literally? Or do you just mean he's really good at time management techniques in general?

    • @vlogbrothers
      @vlogbrothers  5 років тому +87

      I think Hank is just really good at prioritizing what's important. He understands where he can add value to the world and works incredibly hard to do so, but also understands where other people can be more effective. It's one of the things I admire most about him. -John

    • @anthonynorman7545
      @anthonynorman7545 5 років тому

      +

    • @armorsmith43
      @armorsmith43 5 років тому +15

      When I was in university (a university known for telling its students “sleep is for the weak” and “drink from the firehose”), I learned of the Eisenhower matrix but didn’t have a clue how to apply it. “How do I know what is important?”
      In the years since graduating, I have realized that is the wrong question. The right one is: “How do I *decide* what is important.” The thing that younger me needed to know was that I had a right to decide what my time should be spent on. That was harder to learn because before internet-blocking tools I was so very bad at following through on those decisions. That was harder because I wasn’t giving my brain the sleep it needed. But it ultimately I needed to believe myself worthy of listening to my own judgement and tolerate the discomfort that came from telling some people “no.” and asserting my sense of what was important.

    • @Rosalie_Jansen
      @Rosalie_Jansen 5 років тому +6

      This is something I also really admire Hank for, and you too, John, by the way; you two are truly great examples to follow.
      I remember there was one video you did as part of the promo for The Fault in our Stars where Mamrie Hart asked you questions - she asked whether you ever get writer's block and you responded that your father always told you that coal miners don't get to have coal miners block - they just have to get to work, and that's what you try to do when you write. I've seen this resilience constantly with you and it's very inspiring, even though you seem to not give yourself a lot of credit for it in this video.
      Your father seems like a great man and I wish I'd been taught such meaningful lessons when I was growing up. I've never forgotten about that comment and I try to keep it in mind whenever I encounter various forms of 'blocks' with the things I do.

    • @danieljensen2626
      @danieljensen2626 5 років тому +4

      @@armorsmith43 I think that's a thing that just gets easier as you get older. When you're younger you spend basically your whole life being told to do things that you don't think are important, but later you realize a lot of them actually were. It's kinda hard to know where to draw the lines exactly but I think we all know if we let 6 year olds decide to only do things they thought were important they would only eat sugar and play video games all day. Freshman in college aren't that much better, but at a certain point you get a better sense of what you need to do to get where you want to go.

  • @3008phoenix
    @3008phoenix 5 років тому

    This video has convinced me that I should make those pastries I've been thinking about, instead of going to the gym where I feel 'productive' but not happy. Pastry making is a good use of my time because it makes me smile. Thanks John!

  • @cupcakewithouttheicing
    @cupcakewithouttheicing 5 років тому

    As someone who just went back to school today this was actually very helpful. Thanks, John!

  • @pavlinaprochazkova1318
    @pavlinaprochazkova1318 5 років тому

    It brings me great comfort to hear that writing isn't something that just happens to writers, especially from someone who's successfully done it before. That really clears a lot of my recent honeysuckle. Thanks for that.

  • @litiavocals6857
    @litiavocals6857 5 років тому

    Oh my gosh I have never found an author that is so amazing and funny. You're so relatable honestly

  • @filippocorradino799
    @filippocorradino799 5 років тому

    I really needed this today :) Thanks, John!

  • @corac1940
    @corac1940 5 років тому

    I have that problem all the time. I really appreciate this outlook on it, and am hoping this will help me better prioritize the important but not urgent things in my life; like time with my friends/family.

  • @sanguinemcorda4310
    @sanguinemcorda4310 5 років тому

    i just love john's voice, his way of speaking is perfect. his pace is not too fast and not too slow , it is perfect enough to keep me interested an dnot bore me. his voice itself is really intense and soothing at the same time . he makes tomatoes sound too good ;P

  • @consistingdelay
    @consistingdelay 5 років тому

    Wow John, thank you for helping me study for my management and finance class! Now I'm sure to remember how the Eisenhower method is applied! Learning while slacking off is the best.

  • @louloureads3953
    @louloureads3953 5 років тому

    I used to use this when I was a nurse to help me prioritise an often overwhelming number of tasks for any day (actually, sometimes I went over it again a few hours into my shift to make sure I was still prioritising properly). I've found it so helpful that I have implemented it into other areas of my life - though that does sometimes lead to my flat not being tidied for two weeks because I've decided it's not important enough to merit my attention.

  • @singinwithceline
    @singinwithceline 5 років тому

    So relevant since I started my new semester yesterday. Such a.great bullet journal tip!

  • @anne-marie339
    @anne-marie339 5 років тому

    Love this reminder about productivity, time management, and how in the end, we all have time :)
    I didn't realize it had a different name in the States! Being from Canada, I learned about this method in uni, but it was always called something like the Urgent-Important Matrix or time management boxes :)

  • @jwhalstrom75
    @jwhalstrom75 5 років тому

    I find myself constantly worrying about not getting to those important but not urgent topics in my life. Thanks for the video and the advice on how to schedule time for those things!

  • @aleksfakename7105
    @aleksfakename7105 5 років тому

    I think I really needed to watch this video around now. Thank you, John!

  • @tay8535
    @tay8535 5 років тому +8

    I saw the notification for this video as I sit on the USS Dwight D Eisenhower and it threw me off guard

  • @lorenabpv
    @lorenabpv 5 років тому +2

    i do something similar, which i always refer to having forced chaos (how very ironic). because i am an obsessive type A person, i tend to overreact to deadlines, messes, a lot of work etc and neither being productive nor letting go enough to relax. so instead, i kinda force myself to not overly schedule things. it's like forcing myself to not worry about something for an hour or organizing my closet enough to be useful, but not too much that i lose myself in categorizing. or be like "yes, i could be more productive and finish this project tonight but i'm gonna limit my work hours and watch netflix". it's weird to have rules for your downtime, but in the immortal words of monica geller, "rules help control the fun".

  • @RachelMUssery0
    @RachelMUssery0 5 років тому

    Exactly what I needed at this moment in my life- also a reminder that we all become overwhelmed and I’m not alone in it. Thanks John :-)

  • @ParAilurus
    @ParAilurus 5 років тому

    Great topic! I immediately thought of this great quote:
    “Because, as we all know, it’s easier to do trivial things that are urgent than it is to do important things that are not urgent, like thinking. And it’s also easier to do little things we know we can do than to start on big things that we’re not so sure about.” -John Cleese

  • @alyseray4416
    @alyseray4416 5 років тому

    i love john very much he always keeps me entertained

  • @margotwiehagen4986
    @margotwiehagen4986 5 років тому

    I think recently I haven't been making time for hapiness, and instead have been making time for sadness and spending countless depressive hours sleeping. I'm hoping using the eisenhower matrix will help with that, so thanks for sharing with us another great thing John.

  • @adamwise1111
    @adamwise1111 5 років тому

    Wow, this video came right when I needed it. I've got so much going on and I need to learn to prioritize.

  • @jenniferspangler600
    @jenniferspangler600 5 років тому

    This is fantastic! I''m going to show this to my students this week, it's a great back-to-school-and-figuring-out-priorities-and-schedules-and-life video. Plus a bunch of them read assorted John Green novels for their summer book projects, so I think they'll be into it ;)

  • @SilviaRivers
    @SilviaRivers 5 років тому

    Thank you, your videos are somehow both always relevant and extremely helpful

  • @ryananthon8426
    @ryananthon8426 5 років тому

    Thank you for uploading this video. I had never heard of the Eisenhower matrix before this video but I feel it’s going to very useful for me in the future.

  • @RodrigoCastroAngelo
    @RodrigoCastroAngelo 5 років тому

    I was just talking about this with my therapist last week! I tend to think about everything that I have to do as an emergency, like OMG I NEED TO DO THESE DISHES RIGHT NOW, when in fact they are just important, and it's OK if I do them a little bit later so that I can do other things that are important. I just need to do a little bit of planning.
    I'm trying to get back to my Bullet Journal, which I haven't used for months, and it's being reallyhelpful. Though it's quite hard to organize my time and plan stuff consistently throughout a long period of time.

  • @gingersnap1413
    @gingersnap1413 5 років тому

    This came out in the most fitting time of my life. Thank you John Green

  • @epuresoul
    @epuresoul 5 років тому

    This brought to mind the book Deep Work by Cal Newport. It discusses how important deep focus and time is to complete the important tasks but also has chapters about downtime and enforcing when it's time to stop thinking about work.

  • @courtneycanchari5161
    @courtneycanchari5161 5 років тому

    I "make" time for the Important but not Urgent tasks by doing at least 1 per day, usually right after work so that I can relax once it's done. What you didn't mention in this video is how to get all those tasks not to keep you up at night worrying about them getting done. I find keeping a list nearby and writing things down so that they get out of my head helps, and that also helps me identify what my 1 thing to do the next day will be.

  • @tesasilva4522
    @tesasilva4522 5 років тому

    Excellent thoughts. I think it's important to make time for ourselves. I have learned to manage my time more efficiently and have seen an improvement in my overall quality of life outside of work, especially on the weekends.

  • @themadwriter
    @themadwriter 5 років тому

    I'm literally taking notes on this video in my pocket journal that goes everywhere with me so that I can apply this. Thanks John.