Staying productive in a world filled with distractions is a challenge — even with all the modern tools and apps we have today. But what if one of the most effective time management strategies was invented over 100 years ago and still works better than most?
Enter the Ivy Lee Method, a simple yet powerful productivity technique that has stood the test of time. In this article, we’ll explore what it is, how it works, and why it’s still one of the best systems to organize your workday.
What Is the Ivy Lee Method?
The Ivy Lee Method is a daily productivity routine created in 1918 by Ivy Lee, a productivity consultant, for Charles M. Schwab, the president of Bethlehem Steel. It’s astonishingly simple:
- Write down the 6 most important tasks you need to accomplish tomorrow.
- Prioritize those 6 tasks in order of importance.
- Start your day with the first task, and don’t move on until it’s finished.
- Work through the list in order, one task at a time.
- At the end of the day, move any unfinished tasks to the next day’s list.
- Repeat this process every day.
That’s it. No complicated time tracking, no expensive software. Just pen, paper, and clear focus.
Why the Ivy Lee Method Still Works Today
Despite being over a century old, the Ivy Lee Method thrives in the modern era because it tackles one of productivity’s biggest enemies: decision fatigue.
Here’s why it’s still relevant:
- Clarity over chaos: You focus on what truly matters.
- No multitasking: It promotes deep work by focusing on one task at a time.
- Minimal setup: No apps, timers, or learning curves required.
- Builds discipline: It forms the habit of prioritizing and completing tasks consistently.
In today’s fast-paced digital world, simplicity is a superpower — and Ivy Lee understood this long before smartphones and Slack.
How to Implement the Ivy Lee Method in Your Life
Step 1: End Your Day with Planning
Before you leave work or wind down at night, write down the 6 most important things you need to accomplish tomorrow. Keep it realistic — not everything can be a top priority.
Step 2: Rank Them
Reorder the tasks by true importance. Ask yourself, “If I only finished one thing tomorrow, what should it be?”
Step 3: Start with Task #1
The next day, begin with the first task on the list. Work on it with full focus until it’s done. Then move to task #2, and so on.
Step 4: Carry Forward Anything Left
If you don’t complete all six tasks, move the unfinished ones to tomorrow’s list. Reevaluate if they’re still top priorities.
Real-World Examples of the Ivy Lee Method in Action
1. Corporate Professionals
Many CEOs and managers use variations of this method to stay focused amidst overwhelming meetings and emails. Writing a clear to-do list the night before reduces stress and improves decision-making in the morning.
2. Freelancers & Creatives
Writers, designers, and solo entrepreneurs benefit from having structure without rigidity. It helps channel creative energy into actual progress.
3. Students
With deadlines, classes, and studying, students often feel pulled in too many directions. The Ivy Lee Method can provide a simple way to stay on track.
Pros and Cons of the Ivy Lee Method
✅ Pros:
- Reduces overwhelm and mental clutter
- Builds momentum through daily habits
- Encourages deep focus
- Easy to implement immediately
❌ Cons:
- Doesn’t account for time blocks or interruptions
- Only allows for 6 tasks, which may be limiting for some
- Requires self-discipline to avoid skipping or multitasking
If you're dealing with highly reactive environments (like customer support), you might need to blend this method with a time-blocking strategy.
Tips for Success with the Ivy Lee Method
- Keep your list visible: Use a notebook, sticky note, or digital note you check often.
- Be realistic: Don’t overload your day with overly complex tasks.
- Reflect weekly: At the end of the week, look back and see which tasks frequently get carried over. This might signal procrastination or the need to delegate.
- Combine it with digital tools: Apps like Todoist or Notion can help track your daily six tasks while syncing across devices.
FAQ
Q: Can I use more than six tasks?
A: You can, but the method’s effectiveness comes from limiting to six. It forces prioritization, which is the heart of the technique.
Q: What if I don’t finish all my tasks?
A: That’s perfectly normal. Just move them to tomorrow’s list and re-prioritize. Over time, you’ll improve your task estimation skills.
Q: Is this method good for teams?
A: While the Ivy Lee Method is designed for individuals, teams can adapt it by using daily standups or shared task boards where each member lists their top 3–6 priorities.
Q: What’s the best time to plan the next day’s tasks?
A: Ideally, at the end of your workday. This allows you to mentally disconnect, knowing tomorrow is already set.
Q: Can I use digital tools with this method?
A: Absolutely. While the original method is analog, digital to-do lists and productivity apps can help maintain your list and remind you to review it daily.
Conclusion
The Ivy Lee Method proves that productivity doesn’t require complexity — just intention and consistency. In a world addicted to multitasking and digital overload, this 100-year-old method offers a refreshing return to focus and simplicity.
Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or someone trying to take control of their day, give the Ivy Lee Method a try. It might just be the most effective 5-minute routine you’ll ever adopt.
✅ Try it tonight: Write down your top 6 tasks. Tomorrow, start with task #1 and see how far this classic technique can take you.
