Forget boring matrices and complicated frameworks. The Truck Method transforms the classic Eisenhower Matrix into an unforgettable visual system using four types of trucks. Each truck represents a different category of tasks based on urgency and importance, making prioritization as easy as remembering which vehicle does what job.
Firetruck
Urgent + Not Important
Racing to put out fires that seem urgent but don't actually move you toward your goals. These are interruptions and distractions that demand immediate attention but lack real significance.
Ambulance
Urgent + Important
True emergencies requiring immediate action with significant consequences. These are genuine crises that can't be ignored and have real impact on your life or work.
Garbage Truck
Not Urgent + Not Important
Time-wasters and activities that should be eliminated. Like garbage, these tasks add no value and should be thrown away to make room for what matters.
Cement Truck
Not Urgent + Important
The foundation-builders. Like cement trucks steadily constructing something lasting, these strategic activities create long-term value and move you toward your goals.
The Truck Method Matrix
CEMENT TRUCK
Schedule
AMBULANCE
Do First
GARBAGE TRUCK
Eliminate
FIRETRUCK
Delegate
Real-World Examples
🚒 Firetruck Tasks
- Most phone calls and emails that "need" immediate response
- Unplanned meetings that could be scheduled later
- Social media notifications and alerts
- Non-critical "urgent" requests from colleagues
- Perfectionism on minor details in finished work
- Interruptions from drop-in visitors
- Checking news updates throughout the day
- Responding to group chat messages immediately
- Organizing your desk when you have bigger priorities
- Attending every optional meeting "just in case"
🚑 Ambulance Tasks
- Medical emergencies requiring immediate attention
- Critical project deadlines with severe consequences
- Family crises or safety emergencies
- System failures that halt business operations
- Legal issues with immediate deadlines
- Fire, flood, or other physical emergencies
- Client complaints that could damage relationships
- Security breaches requiring immediate response
- Equipment failures affecting safety
- Time-sensitive financial decisions (market crashes)
🚛 Garbage Truck Tasks
- Excessive social media scrolling during work hours
- Unnecessary meetings with no clear purpose
- Office gossip and workplace drama
- Mindless TV watching when you have goals to pursue
- Busy work that adds no real value
- Complaining without taking action
- Playing mobile games during productive hours
- Reading every news article about topics you can't control
- Arguing with strangers on the internet
- Organizing things that don't need organizing
🏗️ Cement Truck Tasks
- Strategic planning for career or business growth
- Skill development through courses or practice
- Regular exercise and health maintenance
- Building meaningful relationships with mentors/colleagues
- Prevention activities (backups, maintenance, check-ups)
- Reading books that expand your knowledge
- Financial planning and investment research
- Creating systems to automate routine tasks
- Writing down goals and reviewing progress
- Quality time with family and friends
- Learning new technologies before you need them
- Networking and relationship building
The Winning Strategy
Most people spend too much time with firetrucks and garbage trucks, while neglecting the cement truck work that creates lasting value.
🎯 Focus
Spend 60-70% of your time on cement truck activities
⚡ Minimize
Reduce ambulance situations by investing in prevention
🚫 Eliminate
Say no to garbage truck activities completely
📤 Delegate
Pass firetruck tasks to others when possible