Must-Should-Want Method
Task prioritization framework created by blogger Jay Shirley in 2014 that categorizes tasks into three levels: Must (essential high-impact tasks), Should (long-term goal building), and Want (personal enjoyment and self-care). Designed to make days more productive while maintaining work-life balance and personal fulfillment.
About this tool
Must-Should-Want Method
The Must, Should, Want Method is a prioritization framework designed to help individuals and teams effectively sort tasks and responsibilities based on their level of urgency and importance.
Origin and Purpose: Created by blogger Jay Shirley in 2014, this method comes with a simple goal – make days more productive and enjoyable.
The Three Categories:
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Must - "Must" focuses on essential tasks that create the most impact.
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Should - "Should" revolves around tasks that help you build towards achieving long-term goals.
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Want - Tasks with the "want" label are all about enjoying the day and taking time off from our work goals.
Key Benefits:
- The main idea behind the Must-Should-Want method is to establish a productive day and still allow you to enjoy the things that help you flourish.
- Reduces overwhelm by categorizing tasks based on urgency and importance.
- Ensures that personal interests are not neglected in the pursuit of productivity.
Implementation Guide
Step 1: Categorize Your Tasks
Review your task list and assign each item to one of the three categories:
- Must: Critical tasks with immediate deadlines or high impact
- Should: Important tasks that contribute to long-term goals
- Want: Activities that bring joy and personal satisfaction
Step 2: Balance Your Day
Aim to complete:
- All "Must" tasks
- At least some "Should" tasks
- At least one "Want" task for wellbeing
Step 3: Review and Adjust
At the end of each day, reflect on your balance across the three categories and adjust tomorrow's plan accordingly.
Comparison to MoSCoW Method
The Must-Should-Want method is similar to the MoSCoW method (Must have, Should have, Could have, Won't have), but the Must-Should-Want method is more focused on personal productivity and work-life balance, while MoSCoW is primarily used in project management and software development contexts.
Best For
- Individuals seeking work-life balance
- People who tend to over-prioritize work tasks
- Those who need permission to include enjoyable activities
- Anyone looking for a simple, three-tier prioritization system
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