Quadrant 1: Taming the Fires (Do)
No one can eliminate Quadrant 1. Crises happen. The goal is to shrink it. The more time you invest in Quadrant 2 (planning, prevention), the fewer emergencies will erupt in Quadrant 1.
When a true Q1 task appears, you must address it with focused intensity. One effective technique is to use a timer. Set it for 25 or 50 minutes and commit to working only on that crisis. This creates a container for the stress. It prevents the fire from consuming your entire day.
Living in a state of constant urgency takes a physiological toll. It keeps your body in a state of high alert, which can contribute to chronic stress and other health issues. For more information on the effects of stress, you can visit the homepage of the American Psychological Association at apa.org. By recognizing Q1 for what it is—a necessary but dangerous place—you empower yourself to manage it, rather than letting it manage you.
