Ivy Lee Method
100+ year-old productivity technique by consultant Ivy Lee involving listing and ranking six key tasks daily. Used by Charles Schwab's Bethlehem Steel executives to dramatically improve productivity through single-tasking.
About this tool
Overview
The Ivy Lee Method is a technique for daily prioritization that involves listing and ranking six key tasks each day. This technique is over 100 years old and originated from a 1910s productivity consultant named Ivy Lee.
Historical Background
The Famous Story
Lee's method gained traction after Charles M. Schwab, the president of American conglomerate Bethlehem Steel, used it to improve the productivity of his executive team. Lee famously taught the method to Charles Schwab's managers in about fifteen minutes.
The Impact
The method had such a profound impact on productivity that Schwab later handsomely rewarded Lee for his consultation.
The Four-Step Process
1. Write Down Six Tasks
At the end of each work day, write down the six most important things you need to accomplish tomorrow.
- No more, no less
- Must be specific and actionable
- Choose what truly matters
2. Prioritize in Order of Importance
Rank the six tasks in order of importance.
- Forces you to think critically
- Sharpens focus on most important things
- Prepares you mentally for tomorrow
3. Focus on First Task
The next day, focus on the first task until it's complete.
- No multitasking
- Full concentration on one task
- Don't move on until complete
- Work through list sequentially
4. Roll Over Unfinished Tasks
Move any unfinished tasks to tomorrow's list.
- Repeat the process daily
- Continuous prioritization
- Adaptation to changing circumstances
Key Benefits
Forces Single-Tasking
- Having fewer priorities leads to better work
- Eliminates attention fragmentation
- Deeper focus on each task
- Higher quality output
Reduces Decision Fatigue
- Tasks chosen and prioritized the day before
- No morning decision-making
- Start working immediately
- Preserves mental energy
Forces Tough Decisions
- Limited to six tasks
- Must choose what's truly important
- Can't hide behind long to-do lists
- Confronts priorities directly
Creates Momentum
- Completing tasks in order builds confidence
- Early wins energize the rest of day
- Clear progress tracking
- Satisfaction from completion
Why Six Tasks?
The number six is strategic:
- Enough to be productive
- Few enough to actually complete
- Prevents overwhelm
- Forces prioritization
- Manageable daily goal
Core Philosophy
Simplicity
- Dead simple to understand
- Easy to implement
- No complex systems
- No special tools needed
Consistency
- Daily ritual
- Builds habit over time
- Compounds results
- Creates routine
Discipline
- Stick to six tasks
- Complete in order
- Don't skip around
- Finish before moving on
Modern Applications
Personal Productivity
- Daily planning
- Goal achievement
- Project completion
- Time management
Team Management
- Team priorities
- Project coordination
- Clear communication
- Aligned focus
Integration with Other Methods
Eat That Frog
- Task #1 is your "frog"
- Do it first thing
- Hardest task when energy is highest
Time Blocking
- Block time for each of six tasks
- Sequential time blocks
- Structured day
ABCDE Method
- Six tasks are your A tasks
- Already prioritized
- Focus only on what matters
Common Mistakes
Too Many Tasks
- Sticking to more than six
- Defeats the purpose
- Creates overwhelm
Vague Tasks
- "Work on project" too vague
- Need specific, actionable items
- Clear completion criteria
Skipping Prioritization
- Not numbering 1-6
- Picking randomly
- Missing the point
Not Rolling Over
- Starting fresh each day
- Losing incomplete tasks
- Breaking continuity
Who It's For
- Anyone overwhelmed by long to-do lists
- Professionals juggling many priorities
- Perfectionists prone to overthinking
- People struggling with what to work on first
- Teams needing clear daily focus
- Anyone seeking simple productivity system
Key Insight
The Ivy Lee Method recognizes that most productivity problems stem from having too many priorities and not knowing where to start. By limiting yourself to six prioritized tasks, you force clarity, focus, and action.
Pricing
The methodology itself is free. It requires only paper and pen (or digital note-taking tool of choice). No apps, subscriptions, or special tools needed.
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