The Ivy Lee Method: A Simple Way to Prioritize Your Day for Maximum Productivity

We’ve all had days where our to-do list feels endless and it’s hard to know where to start. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of tasks, and often, we end up jumping from one thing to the next without making meaningful progress. That’s where the Ivy Lee Method comes in—a simple but powerful productivity technique that helps you prioritize tasks and focus on what’s most important.

Developed over 100 years ago, the Ivy Lee Method has stood the test of time for a reason: it’s incredibly simple and effective. By focusing on just six tasks a day, the Ivy Lee Method helps you cut through the noise, get more done, and feel more in control of your day.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how to use the Ivy Lee Method to organize your tasks, stay focused, and boost your productivity.

What is the Ivy Lee Method?

The Ivy Lee Method is a time-tested productivity strategy that dates back to the early 1900s. It was developed by productivity consultant Ivy Lee, who advised business leaders on how to improve their workflow. The method is deceptively simple: at the end of each workday, you write down the six most important tasks you need to accomplish the following day. Then, the next day, you work through those tasks in order of priority—starting with the first and not moving on to the next until it’s completed.

By limiting your to-do list to just six items, the Ivy Lee Method helps you focus on what truly matters, reduces decision fatigue, and encourages deep, meaningful work.

Why the Ivy Lee Method Boosts Productivity

Here’s why the Ivy Lee Method is so effective for productivity:

1. Forces prioritization: By limiting your list to six tasks, you’re forced to prioritize and focus only on what’s most important, cutting out unnecessary busywork.
2. Eliminates decision fatigue: With a clear list of tasks, you don’t waste time deciding what to do next—you already know. This allows you to jump straight into your work each day.
3. Promotes focus: Working on one task at a time helps you stay focused and avoid multitasking, leading to higher-quality work and faster completion of tasks.
4. Encourages completion: The Ivy Lee Method is all about finishing what you start. You don’t move on to the next task until the first one is done, which promotes a sense of accomplishment.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Ivy Lee Method

Here’s how to start using the Ivy Lee Method to organize your day and boost productivity:

1. At the End of Each Day, Write Down Your Six Most Important Tasks for Tomorrow

The first step in the Ivy Lee Method is to take 10 minutes at the end of each workday to plan for the next day. Write down the six most important tasks you need to accomplish tomorrow. These should be the tasks that will move you closer to your goals—whether they’re work-related or personal.

Tip: Be selective when choosing your tasks. Don’t just write down everything on your mind—focus on tasks that are high-priority and time-sensitive.

2. Organize the Tasks by Priority

Once you have your six tasks written down, arrange them in order of importance. The task at the top of the list should be your highest priority, followed by the second most important, and so on. This helps you focus on the tasks that will have the biggest impact on your day or week.

Tip: If you’re not sure how to prioritize, ask yourself: “Which of these tasks will make the biggest difference if completed tomorrow?” That should be your first task.

3. Start Your Day with Task #1 and Focus on It Until It’s Complete

The next morning, start your day by tackling the first task on your list. Don’t move on to any other tasks or get distracted by emails, meetings, or lower-priority tasks until this one is finished. The goal is to give your full attention to one task at a time, which leads to better results and faster completion.

Tip: If your first task is large, break it down into smaller, actionable steps. This will make it easier to focus and finish it.

4. Move on to Task #2, Then Task #3, and So On

Once you’ve completed the first task, move on to the second task, and repeat the process. Work through your list in order of priority, only moving to the next task once the previous one is fully completed. This creates a smooth workflow and keeps you from jumping between tasks.

Tip: If you don’t finish all six tasks by the end of the day, don’t stress. Simply roll over any unfinished tasks to the next day’s list and continue from there.

5. Repeat the Process Daily

The key to the Ivy Lee Method is consistency. Make it a habit to plan your six tasks at the end of each day and work through them the following day in order of priority. Over time, you’ll find that you’re able to focus more easily, get more done, and feel more accomplished at the end of each day.

Tip: Set aside a specific time each evening to write down your six tasks. The more consistent you are with this habit, the easier it will become.

How the Ivy Lee Method Transforms Your Productivity

Here’s how the Ivy Lee Method can transform the way you approach your tasks:

• Simplifies decision-making: By having a clear plan for the day, you eliminate the need to make decisions on the fly, saving mental energy and reducing overwhelm.
• Keeps you focused on what matters: Limiting your list to six tasks forces you to focus on the tasks that have the biggest impact, rather than getting sidetracked by less important work.
• Promotes productivity without burnout: By focusing on just six tasks each day, you avoid overloading yourself with a long to-do list that feels impossible to complete.

Common Mistakes to Avoid With the Ivy Lee Method

While the Ivy Lee Method is simple, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

1. Overloading your list: The method works because it limits you to just six tasks. Don’t try to add more tasks or overload your day with too much work.
2. Not prioritizing properly: Be honest with yourself when deciding which tasks are most important. Don’t put off high-priority tasks in favor of easier or less important ones.
3. Jumping between tasks: The goal is to finish one task before moving on to the next. Resist the urge to multitask or skip tasks in your list.

The Big Takeaway

The Ivy Lee Method is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to prioritize your day and get more done. By focusing on just six tasks and working through them one at a time, you eliminate distractions, stay focused, and make meaningful progress on your goals.

If you’ve been struggling to stay on top of your to-do list, give the Ivy Lee Method a try. It’s a simple change that can lead to big results.

Conclusion: Why the Ivy Lee Method Works for Productivity

When I started using the Ivy Lee Method, I noticed an immediate improvement in how I approached my workday. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by a long list of tasks, I had a clear plan of action, and I knew exactly what I needed to work on. The best part? I felt more productive and less stressed at the end of each day.

If you’re looking for a simple, effective way to organize your tasks and boost your productivity, give the Ivy Lee Method a try. It’s an easy system to implement, and the results speak for themselves.

Final Thoughts: The Ivy Lee Method is a time-tested technique for prioritizing tasks and staying focused. By limiting yourself to six tasks a day, you can simplify your workflow, reduce stress, and achieve more in less time. Start small, stay consistent, and watch how your productivity improves.