Evaluating tasks based on effort, benefit, and alignment with personal values can improve clarity, motivation, and decision-making. Rather than relying on gut instinct, this framework provides a structured way to assign a point value to any task. It incorporates time cost, impact scope, health effect, urgency, and emotional value, producing a practical numerical score. The goal is simple: the lower the burden and the higher the benefit, the higher the score.

The Task Scoring Formula

To calculate the value of a task, use the following equation:

Task Score = (ImpactWeight × ImpactScore) + (HealthWeight × HealthScore) + (PurposeWeight × PurposeScore) + (SkillWeight × SkillScore) + (UrgencyWeight × UrgencyScore) + (JoyWeight × JoyScore) − (TimeWeight × TimePenalty)

Each score ranges from 0 to 10 (some from −10 to +10), and weights can be adjusted to match your values or goals.

Scoring Parameters Explained

1. ImpactScore (0 to 10)
   Measures how many people benefit and how significantly.
   0 = no impact
   10 = deeply improves the lives of many
2. HealthScore (−10 to +10)
   Assesses whether the task benefits or harms mental or physical health.
   −10 = actively harmful (e.g., smoking)
   0 = neutral (e.g., organizing files)
   +10 = highly beneficial (e.g., workout)
3. PurposeScore (0 to 10)
   Rates how well the task aligns with your core values or long-term goals.
   0 = meaningless
   10 = directly tied to your life mission
4. SkillScore (0 to 10)
   Gauges how much the task builds or uses a meaningful skill.
   0 = no growth
   10 = deeply educational or technically challenging
5. UrgencyScore (0 to 10)
   Reflects the time sensitivity and immediate importance.
   0 = can be delayed indefinitely
   10 = must be done now
6. JoyScore (−10 to +10)
   Captures the emotional experience of the task.
   −10 = draining or miserable
   0 = neutral
   +10 = enjoyable and energizing
7. TimePenalty
   Larger tasks should earn fewer points unless highly beneficial. This discourages spending excessive time on low-impact tasks.
   Use one of the following formulas:
   • Logarithmic: TimePenalty = log(minutes + 1)
   • Linear: TimePenalty = minutes / 5

Suggested Weights (can be adjusted)

• ImpactWeight: 0.3
• HealthWeight: 0.2
• PurposeWeight: 0.2
• SkillWeight: 0.1
• UrgencyWeight: 0.1
• JoyWeight: 0.1
• TimeWeight: 1.0

Example Calculation

Task: Go for a 30-minute jog

• ImpactScore = 2 (mostly benefits you)
• HealthScore = 9
• PurposeScore = 7
• SkillScore = 2
• UrgencyScore = 4
• JoyScore = 6
• Time = 30 minutes

Using the logarithmic time penalty:
TimePenalty = log(31) ≈ 1.49

Now plug values into the formula:
Score = (0.3×2) + (0.2×9) + (0.2×7) + (0.1×2) + (0.1×4) + (0.1×6) − (1.0×1.49)
Score = 0.6 + 1.8 + 1.4 + 0.2 + 0.4 + 0.6 − 1.49
Final Score ≈ 3.51

This jog earns 3.5 points, balancing moderate impact with strong health and purpose benefits against a moderate time cost.

Conclusion

This formula provides a grounded, adaptable system for evaluating tasks in real time. By assigning clear values to impact, effort, and personal alignment, you can prioritize better, avoid burnout, and make consistent progress toward your goals. Adjust the weights to emphasize health, altruism, creativity, or efficiency depending on what matters most to you.