Two of the quadrants in the Eisenhower Matrix described tasks that are urgent and important and urgent but not critical. To better determine which tasks to place in these two quadrants, it's important to understand the difference between urgent and important. Here are the distinctions between urgent and important tasks:
Urgent tasks
These tasks require immediate attention and put you in an active mode. They are often time-sensitive and time-bound. For example, answering emails or answering phone calls can be urgent, but they can also be unimportant. Urgent tasks often have to do with someone else having to achieve their goals.
Important tasks
Important tasks contribute to your long-term goals, mission and values. Important tasks are sometimes urgent, but in many cases they are not. For example, you have a presentation at the end of the month that is important but not urgent. By focusing on important tasks, you stay rational, calm and can identify new opportunities.