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.
Go to next section on time traps

Page last reviewed: 8 April, 2025