Sometimes, you don't need a complex matrix. You just need a list that tells you exactly what to do next. The ABCDE Method is linear simplicity at its finest.
What is ABCDE?
Popularized by Brian Tracy in his book Eat That Frog, this method forces you to assign a "grade" to every task on your list based on the consequences of not doing it.
The Grading Scale
Must Do
Serious consequences if not done. These are your "Frogs." You must eat them first.
Should Do
Mild consequences with a decent payoff. Only start these after all "A" tasks are done.
Nice to Do
No consequences. e.g., Getting coffee with a colleague. Fun, but optional.
Delegate
Tasks that someone else can do. Free up your time for "A" tasks.
Eliminate
Tasks that are no longer necessary. Remove them immediately.
The "Eat That Frog" Rule
The core philosophy is simple: Never do a B task when an A task is left undone.
If you have two "A" tasks, start with the biggest, ugliest one first. A1 is the task you are most likely to procrastinate on, but which has the biggest positive impact on your career.
Limitations
Linear Limitation: ABCDE is excellent for a solo worker tackling a predefined to-do list. However, it lacks the dimensional insight of "Cost." It doesn't explicitly force the user to consider if the "A" task will take 1 hour or 100 hours.
Pro Tip: Use the Impact-Effort Matrix to determine the ABCDE grade. A "High Impact/Low Effort" task becomes an "A1" priority instantly.
Order Your Chaos
QuickPrio lets you drag and drop tasks into ABCDE order, keeping your focus laser-sharp on what matters today.
Start using QuickPrio