ABCDE system
How to prioritise
The ABCDE system can help prioritise tasks by importance and urgency.
A tasks: must do
- The most important and often the toughest tasks.
- Tackle these first
- Example: Completing a major project; or on a personal level could mean keeping the house tidy.
B tasks: should do
- Important but not as critical as A tasks.
- Do after A tasks to maintain momentum.
- Example: Scheduling meetings.
C tasks: nice to do
- Less important and often more enjoyable tasks.
- Only after A and B tasks.
- Example: Brainstorming new ideas.
D tasks: delegate
- Urgent but not critical for you to do.
- Assign these to others to free up your time for A and B tasks.
- Example: Proofreading an essay.
E tasks: eliminate
- Neither important nor urgent.
- Remove these from your to-do list to avoid wasting time.
- Example: Activities that don’t contribute to your goals.