What Tasks Should You Forget?

Stop Wasting Time Using the Impact-Effort Matrix

One of the biggest mistakes in project management is spending time on initiatives that consume too many resources but have little impact. I don’t blame you—this happens to me too. Often, it’s not easy to predict an initiative's impact until you execute it. But one thing is clear: knowing what not to do is just as important as deciding what to do, and the impact-effort matrix can greatly help you prioritize decisions. The good news is that it’s straightforward to apply and can save you hundreds of work hours.

The impact-effort matrix organizes ideas based on two key factors: impact (the value the idea generates) and effort (the resources required to implement it). This simple duality can be easily applied to decision-making. How can you prioritize your ideas?

• Do it now (high impact, low effort): Prioritize these ideas as they offer quick and efficient returns.
• Make it a project (high impact, high effort): While they require more resources, these ideas are valuable in the long run.
• Make it a task (low impact, low effort): These are small actions that can be easily delegated.
• Forget it for now (low impact, high effort): Ideas that don’t deserve immediate attention.

Applying the impact-effort matrix not only helps you prioritize but also teaches you to let go of things that consume time and energy without creating value. At the end of the day, true progress comes from focusing on what has an impact, not just being busy.

by David Almazán