Need to, Have to, Should do, Want to [creative exercise]
The Power of Quadrants: A Fresh Way to Organize Your Life & Priorities
The other night, I was sitting with my family, caught up in that beginning-of-the-year energy—a time for dreaming, planning, and figuring out how to approach the mountain ahead. Like many of you, I was making to-do lists, setting goals, and trying to visualize the path forward. But as I wrote everything down, I found myself asking a familiar question: How do I organize all of this better?
And then, out of nowhere, a simple yet profound framework came to mind: Need to, Have to, Should do, Want to.
These four categories popped into my head like magic, and I knew I had to explore them. What if I organized all my tasks, dreams, and responsibilities into these quadrants? Excited, I grabbed a piece of paper and sketched it out—a quadrant system that transformed my chaotic list into something manageable and meaningful. Here’s how it works.
Breaking Down the Quadrants
1. Need To
The "Need To" category is all about urgency—the tasks that are absolutely essential for moving forward. These are the non-negotiables that demand your immediate attention. For example:
I need to come up with a plan to generate X amount of income.
I need to schedule key events for the year.
I need to create landing pages for specific projects.
These are the things that, if left undone, will block your progress. Identifying these first helps you create a clear path to success and ensures that you’re prioritizing what matters most.
2. Have To
The "Have To" list includes the responsibilities that aren’t optional. These are tasks that must be done regularly to maintain your commitments and keep things running smoothly. For me, this includes:
Producing new audio stories for Majik Kids
Sending newsletters to connect with my audience.
Maintaining the routines that support my work and life.
These aren’t tasks I can skip; they’re baked into the rhythm of my week. By clearly identifying your "Have To" tasks, you can build a schedule that supports consistency and reliability.
3. Should Do
The "Should Do" quadrant is where procrastination often lives. These are the tasks that linger in the back of your mind—the ones you keep telling yourself you’ll get around to. For example:
Updating my will (a task I’ve been avoiding for months).
Creating our annual family calendar, which involves gathering our favorite photos from the year.
"Should Do" tasks might not feel urgent, but they’re important in their own way. Tackling them clears mental clutter and keeps your life in alignment with your values.
4. Want To
Finally, there’s the "Want To" list. These are the things that light you up and make life meaningful. For me, it’s:
Playing Chi Ball (a sport I love).
Golfing (a personal passion).
These are the activities that feed your soul. Prioritizing your "Want To" tasks ensures that you’re not just surviving but thriving. Life isn’t just about getting things done—it’s about experiencing joy and fulfillment along the way.
Creating Your Action Plan
Once I filled out my quadrants, I realized the next step was critical: turning these insights into action. Here’s what I did:
Pick One Task From Each Quadrant I chose one "Need To," one "Have To," one "Should Do," and one "Want To" task. By focusing on just one from each category, I created a balanced approach that touched all aspects of my life.
Create a “Going To” List This is where the magic happens. I took my chosen tasks and scheduled them into my calendar for the next seven days. This step turns intention into commitment, ensuring that I’ll actually follow through.
Build Momentum Once I completed my initial tasks, I felt a sense of accomplishment and clarity. That momentum made it easier to tackle the next set of priorities.
How You Can Apply This Framework
Now it’s your turn. Take five minutes to clear your mind and categorize your tasks into these four quadrants:
Need To: What’s urgent and essential?
Have To: What are your non-negotiable responsibilities?
Should Do: What tasks have you been procrastinating on?
Want To: What brings you joy and fulfillment?
Once your quadrants are filled, choose one task from each category and schedule it into your calendar. Commit to completing these in the next week and watch how this simple process brings clarity and balance to your life.
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