Stephen R. Covey, in his classic book “The 7 Skills of Highly Effective People,” gives such a scheme, which is also called the Eisenhower matrix.

Square I undoubtedly exerts psychological pressure. Urgent important tasks require a lot of attention and energy. The main mistake people make, especially business people, is to concentrate entirely on this square.

But the fact is that they don’t have time to find new priorities and opportunities and start moving forward. Critical tasks consume all resources, take away strength and even health. Being in this square can quickly “burn out” and leave one totally inoperable.

Squares III and IV represent urgent matters. People also tend to give them a high priority, forgetting about longer-term tasks. The problem is that this prioritization is often not objective, but reflects other people’s expectations. Doing these tasks may not lead to the desired results and personal progress.

By being in these squares, people stop owning the situation and become victims of circumstance. They let go of the initiative and become trapped in a vicious circle. Plans and prospects begin to seem vague and meaningless to them.

Finally, square II – it is the main personal efficiency. People who take the time to set aside seemingly urgent matters and deal strategically find themselves ahead in every perspective. They work on the foundations of their path – on useful skills, connections, solid material and methodological supports. It is on these foundations that their plans and endeavors will take hold over time.

This square helps those in it to develop positive thinking, an orientation toward development and positive change. It’s a shift in focus from continually solving problems to laying the groundwork for promising accomplishments.

It is difficult to manage time, because it entails the need to implement many other serious changes in life. You cannot literally control it – neither stop it, nor return it, nor look ahead – but you can work on yourself, control the individual elements of your own life. Already in this way you can gradually regain control over the passage of time and your achievements.