What Does Q2 Mean?

In Quadrant 1 (top left) we have important, urgent items – items that need to be dealt with immediately.

In Quadrant 2 (top right) we have important, but not urgent items these are the tasks that are important but do not require your immediate attention and need to be planned for.  This quadrant is highlighted because Covey suggested this is the quadrant that we should focus on for long term achievement of goals.

In Quadrant 3 (bottom left) we have urgent, but unimportant items the items which should be minimised or eliminated. These are the time suckers, the “poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part” variety of tasks.

In Quadrant 4 (bottom right) we have unimportant and also not urgent items – items that don’t have to be done anytime soon, perhaps add little to no value and also should be minimised or eliminated.  These are often trivial time wasters.

Q2 is about being proactive: going after what you want in life and being accountable for your behaviour, results and growth.

Quadrant 2 = Tasks that are “important but not urgent”. These tasks must be prioritised and worked on consistently to achieve success. Start with the end in mind, know what you want in life, and then strategise how to achieve your goals. Think of Quadrant 2 tasks as the building blocks for your business and life – upskilling, thinking, preparation, planning, relationships, exercise, and recreation.

Bottom line?

To use time effectively, you must prioritise Q2 tasks. It is the Q2 tasks that will help you and your business succeed.