Triage Technique
A task sorting method that divides tasks into three categories: things that need immediate action, things that are important but not urgent, and things that are a waste of time. Borrowed from medical emergency triage, it helps quickly determine which tasks deserve attention and which should be discarded.
Last updated: 2026-04-04 22:53
Overview
The Triage Technique applies the medical emergency triage concept to task management. It helps you quickly sort through your to-do list and determine what deserves your attention.
Three Categories
- Immediate Action - Things that need immediate attention and response
- Important but Not Urgent - Tasks that matter and should be scheduled for later
- Waste of Time - Activities that should be eliminated from your list entirely
How to Use
Regularly review your task list and sort each item into one of the three categories. Focus your energy on the immediate action items while scheduling the important but non-urgent tasks. Discard anything that falls into the waste-of-time category.
Related Items
1-3-5 Technique
A daily time management method that structures your to-do list into 1 big task, 3 medium tasks, and 5 small tasks. It provides a simple, focused framework for prioritizing daily work and managing workload capacity.
10 Minute Task
A time management technique where every task on your to-do list should be broken down so that it takes no longer than 10 minutes to complete. If a task would take longer, it must be subdivided into smaller, more manageable pieces. This approach prevents procrastination by making every task feel achievable.
10 Minutes Technique
A task-start strategy where you commit to just 10 minutes of effort on a selected task, after which you can stop if you want. The psychological trick is that once you begin, you usually won't want to quit, overcoming initial resistance and procrastination.
112/26 Rule
An extended productivity technique similar to the 52/17 rule, where you work for 112 minutes followed by a 26-minute break. This longer interval is suggested for tasks requiring sustained deep focus and complex problem-solving.