I first learned about Covey’s 4 Quadrants in the late ’90s and have referenced the concept both personally and professionally with my clients consistently since. I preach, “Our goal is to spend as much time as possible in Quadrant 2.” Or, “With enough preplanning, we move from Quadrant 1 to Quadrant 2.” But, until recently, I never realized that Quadrant 2 was the most fun.
First, a quick (very quick!) summary on Covey’s 4 Quadrants.
Tasks are identified as urgent or not urgent, then important or not important, thus creating 4 quadrants of activities.
Ideally, we would like to limit (really, really limit) our time spent in Quadrants 3 and 4. (Why would you spend time on activities that aren’t important?!)
It’s super stressful to spend the majority of your day in Quadrant 1. (Rush, rush, rush to put out one fire after another after another!!)
This leaves Quadrant 2, the magical quadrant where all activities are important, but not urgent. It’s when we are working on a project that isn’t due for another week vs. working on a project the night before.
Recently, I had the opportunity to live in Quadrant 2 for ten days. My husband Lou and I had just returned from our vacation – a few days on Edisto Island, SC, and a few days at Nashville, TN. Taking the time away was an opportunity for both of us to relax and recharge our batteries, leaving us both more energized and more productive on our return. (You can’t imagine how quickly my mind is working since returning from vacation – and Lou is almost completely through his “Summer Honey-Do List” in the week we’ve been back!)
Because Quadrant 2 activities usually aren’t driven by a deadline, we tend to put them off, especially self-care. “I’ll exercise tomorrow.” “I’ll take a long lunch with friends next week.” But really, these activities are the most fun!
Many people plan 51 weeks for their next 1-week vacation. Use that same focus for daily relaxation.
Take a moment today to block off time in your calendar to schedule some Quadrant 2 self-care . . . time with friends, coffee on the deck, vacation, massage, yoga . . .
What are your favorite Quadrant 2 activities? What is your favorite thing to do in Nashville? (I loved the Bluebird Café and the Ryman.) Please post below!
Interesting post. This is my first introduction to Covey’s Quadrants. I can see how it is best to spend the majority of my time in quadrant two. I also agree, that taking time away via vacation is one of the best ways to boost productivity and focus.
Sojourner –
Glad you like it! Vacations are a great way to recharge! Now that I’m back, I’m working on introducing a little “mini-vacation” (at least 30 minutes each day) to keep this “recharged feeling”!
Lisa
Wow! Just look at that ceiling! How beautiful. I really like the 4 quadrants theory, I’ve never thought of my life being structured like that before!
Sophie –
Thanks for stopping by! That picture was taken at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Hotel in Nashville, TN, USA. So beautiful! Glad I could provide some new ideas on structure!
Lisa
Learned the the 4 quadrants before and yes, we should not spend time on 3 & 4.Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for stopping by! I agree – Quadrants 3 & 4 are certainly not worth our time (why do something that is unimportant?). Many times when I work worth clients – they are very surprised by the amount of time they actually spend in quadrant 4!
Lisa
Stopping by from #blogboost and UBC!
I love when I’m living in Quadrant 2 :)
Working on deleting Quadrant 1 as I run around at my day job doing urgent & important things for other people.
Peggy –
Thanks for stopping by! The urgent and important things for other people is a tough! A phrase I like is, “I currently have X, Y, & Z on my radar right now. Where would you like me to prioritize ____ ?” I find often, putting the ball back in their court helps.
Lisa
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