The 2×2 matrix is a gold mine to understand and solve complex problems.
Some examples of the most famous 2×2 matrixes are:
- The Growth Share Matrix developed by BCG
- The Activity quadrant developed by Eisenhower
- The Johari Window developed by Joseph Luft and Harry Ingram (more info here)
Thanks to Marshall Goldsmith, there is one more 2×2 matrix to be added to this list; the Matrix that Matters. This matrix helps to demystify what activities matter in your life.
Assuming you are in good health, have a mid-level of income and you have great relationships with the people you love, there are two factors critically important to what matters in life:
- Meaning; the results of what you do are meaningful or important to you
- Happiness; you enjoy (the process of) what you are doing
If we combine these two factors in a 2×2 matrix, we get to the following:
- Quadrant 1 are activities that are meaningful and provide low amounts of happiness. These are sacrifices we need to make. If we need to sacrifice something for a higher purpose, it is acceptable up to a certain extent. Stretching that extent too often, will not be beneficial in the long term.
- Quadrant 2 are activities that are providing both happiness and meaning. This is where you succeed. If you can spend most of your time in this quadrant, you are living a life that matters.
- If you are in quadrant 3 you are in survival mode, since you are doing something which has no meaning and provides no joy. Typically, these are chores, tedious but necessary tasks.
- Quadrant 4 are activities that you enjoy doing, however are not meaningful. These are activities that provide short term stimulation, think about scrolling through your social media feed. Like in Q2, the activities can be beneficial up to a certain extent.
How to do more in life which matters to you?
Take some time to reflect upon the following questions:
- What percent of your life do you spend in each quadrant?
- Which changes in life can you make to increase your happiness and / or meaning?
- What changes can you make to get rid of what is not providing happiness or meaning?
Hungry for more Reflective Questions? Contact me for more info.
Photo by Aziz Acharki on Unsplash
The 2×2 matrix is a gold mine to understand and solve complex problems.
Some examples of the most famous 2×2 matrixes are:
- The Growth Share Matrix developed by BCG
- The Activity quadrant developed by Eisenhower
- The Johari Window developed by Joseph Luft and Harry Ingram (more info here)
Thanks to Marshall Goldsmith, there is one more 2×2 matrix to be added to this list; the Matrix that Matters. This matrix helps to demystify what activities matter in your life.
Assuming you are in good health, have a mid-level of income and you have great relationships with the people you love, there are two factors critically important to what matters in life:
- Meaning; the results of what you do are meaningful or important to you
- Happiness; you enjoy (the process of) what you are doing
If we combine these two factors in a 2×2 matrix, we get to the following:
- Quadrant 1 are activities that are meaningful and provide low amounts of happiness. These are sacrifices we need to make. If we need to sacrifice something for a higher purpose, it is acceptable up to a certain extent. Stretching that extent too often, will not be beneficial in the long term.
- Quadrant 2 are activities that are providing both happiness and meaning. This is where you succeed. If you can spend most of your time in this quadrant, you are living a life that matters.
- If you are in quadrant 3 you are in survival mode, since you are doing something which has no meaning and provides no joy. Typically, these are chores, tedious but necessary tasks.
- Quadrant 4 are activities that you enjoy doing, however are not meaningful. These are activities that provide short term stimulation, think about scrolling through your social media feed. Like in Q2, the activities can be beneficial up to a certain extent.
How to do more in life which matters to you?
Take some time to reflect upon the following questions:
- What percent of your life do you spend in each quadrant?
- Which changes in life can you make to increase your happiness and / or meaning?
- What changes can you make to get rid of what is not providing happiness or meaning?
Hungry for more Reflective Questions? Contact me for more info.
Photo by Aziz Acharki on Unsplash
