HomeCasa Eisenhower matrix: prioritize your to-do list
Turn a messy to-do list into a reasoned Eisenhower matrix: what to do now, schedule, delegate or drop, checked against the hours you really have this week. Designed for ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and Microsoft Copilot. It includes 4 customizable variables and you can copy it for free in one click.
Beginner · Text · Pending editorial review
Prompt
Act as a productivity coach who specializes in prioritization with the Eisenhower matrix (urgent/important).
Context:
- My main goal for this period: {{goal}}
- Real hours available this week for these tasks: {{hours}}
- Deadlines I know about: {{deadlines}}
- My to-do list, exactly as I have it:
{{tasks}}
Deliverables:
1. Rewrite each item as a concrete action that starts with a verb. If an item is really a project, break it down and say so.
2. For each task, rate urgency (what happens if it is not done in the next 2-3 days) and importance (how much it moves my goal forward or what risk it prevents), with a one-sentence reason.
3. The matrix as a 2x2 table: Do now, Schedule, Delegate, Delete.
4. For each quadrant:
- Do now: recommended order and time estimate.
- Schedule: which day and time slot you suggest this week.
- Delegate: what kind of person should take it and a short handoff message.
- Delete: how to politely say no or renegotiate the commitment.
5. Capacity check: add up the time for "Do now" and "Schedule" and compare it with my hours. If it does not fit, suggest what to cut.
6. Point out the usual traps: tasks that only feel urgent because someone keeps pushing, and important tasks I keep postponing.
Constraints:
- Do not invent deadlines or people to delegate to; if missing, use [FILL IN] or ask me.
- If the list is ambiguous or you lack context for a task, ask me before classifying it.
- Be honest: if almost everything lands in "Do now", tell me the problem is workload, not ordering.
Format: a table of rated tasks, the 2x2 matrix and an action plan in bullet points.How to use it
- Dump every task without filtering, exactly as it sits in your notes or your head. 2. Add your main goal and the real hours you have after meetings. 3. Review the urgency and importance ratings and correct anything that feels off. 4. Move the "Schedule" items into your calendar and send the "Delegate" handoffs.
Usage example
Goal: launch the clinic's new website · Hours: 20 · Deadlines: copy due Thursday · 22 mixed work and personal admin tasks.
Sample output
Rated tasks
| Task (rewritten) | Urgent | Important | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prepare the proposal deck for the Chicago client | Yes | Yes | Internal presentation on Wednesday |
| Reply to Sarah about the invoice | Yes | Medium | Blocks a payment, but quick |
| Review the office lease | No | Yes | Legal risk if ignored; [FILL IN: renewal date] |
| Get a print shop quote | Medium | Medium | Someone else can do it |
| Update LinkedIn | No | No | Doesn't move this month's goal |
| Clean up laptop files | No | No | Can wait |
Matrix
| Urgent | Not urgent | |
|---|---|---|
| Important | Do now: proposal deck (8 h), reply to Sarah (15 min) | Schedule: review lease (2 h, Thursday morning) |
| Not important | Delegate: print shop quote | Delete: LinkedIn, laptop files |
Capacity check
Do now + Schedule ≈ 10 h 15 min of your 18 h. It fits, leaving about 7 h 45 min for the quarterly tax estimate on the 15th, surprises and small tasks.
Trap to watch
"Cleaning up files" feels productive but doesn't move your goal: it's procrastination in disguise. …
Key facts
- Category
- Productivity · Time management
- Output type
- Text
- Level
- Beginner
- Designed for
- ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and Microsoft Copilot
- Verified in
- Pending editorial verification
- Variables
- Main goal, Hours available, Known deadlines and To-do list
- Language
- English
- Price
- Free, no sign-up
- Updated
- Nov 7, 2026
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between urgent and important?
Urgent means there are consequences if it is not done soon; important means it moves you toward your goals or prevents a serious risk. Plenty of urgent tasks are not important, and the other way around.
What if I have nobody to delegate to?
Say so in the context. The AI will suggest alternatives such as automating, simplifying, batching the task with others or negotiating a different deadline.
What is this prompt for?
Turn a messy to-do list into a reasoned Eisenhower matrix: what to do now, schedule, delegate or drop, checked against the hours you really have this week.
Which AI tools does it work with?
It is designed for ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and Microsoft Copilot. We have not verified it in these tools yet, so results may vary between them.
How do I customize the prompt?
Click “Customize” and fill in the variables (Main goal, Hours available, Known deadlines and To-do list). The text updates instantly and you can then copy it in one click. Values are stored only in your browser.
Do I need experience to use it?
No. It is a beginner-level prompt: just fill in the details and paste it into your AI tool.
Is this prompt free?
Yes. Every HomeCasa Prompts prompt is free, with no sign-up or subscription. You can also use them in professional projects.
Can I trust the AI output?
Treat it as a high-quality draft: always check data, figures and important claims before publishing or making decisions.