Ivy Lee Technique: Productivity Made Simple
In a world full of productivity hacks and complicated systems, sometimes the simplest solutions work best. One of the most effective — and easy-to-use — techniques is the Ivy Lee Method, a century-old system that continues to help busy people prioritize and get things done.
Let’s dive into what it is, how it works, and why it might be the simplest productivity boost you need.
1. Who Was Ivy Lee?
Ivy Lee was a productivity consultant in the early 1900s who helped companies and leaders improve their efficiency. He believed in simplicity and focus, which led to his famous technique.
2. What Is the Ivy Lee Technique?
It’s a daily planning method that involves:
1️⃣ At the end of each day, write down the six most important tasks you need to accomplish tomorrow.
2️⃣ Rank them in order of priority, from 1 to 6.
3️⃣ The next day, start with task 1 and work on it until it’s finished before moving to the next task.
4️⃣ Repeat this process every day.
Simple — yet incredibly effective.
3. Why It Works
- Focuses your energy on what matters most.
- Reduces decision fatigue — you know exactly where to start each day.
- Keeps you moving through tasks instead of getting stuck on small decisions.
- Builds momentum by finishing tasks instead of juggling them all at once.
4. How to Get Started
- Use a notebook, planner, or app — whatever you’re most comfortable with.
- Every evening, take 5–10 minutes to list your six tasks for the next day.
- Keep your list visible on your desk, phone, or computer.
- Cross off tasks as you complete them for a sense of progress.
5. Stay Flexible
Sometimes tasks take longer than expected — that’s okay.
- If you can’t finish a task, move it to tomorrow’s list.
- Don’t worry about perfection — progress matters most.
- Adjust priorities as needed, but stick to the “one at a time” rule.
6. Combine With Other Systems (If You Like)
The Ivy Lee Technique can stand alone or be combined with other methods like:
- Pomodoro Technique (work in sprints with breaks)
- Eisenhower Matrix (to choose what’s important)
- Weekly planning sessions (to align tasks with bigger goals)
Use what works best for you.
7. Benefits for Different People
- Professionals: Stay on top of key tasks without getting overwhelmed.
- Freelancers: Balance multiple clients or projects with clear priorities.
- Students: Stay focused on assignments and studies one at a time.
- Busy parents: Manage home, work, and personal commitments.
8. Watch Out for Common Pitfalls
- Overloading the list with tasks that are too big.
- Getting stuck on task 1 and not moving on.
- Forgetting to plan the next day consistently.
Start small and build the habit — that’s the key.
9. Celebrate Daily Wins
Each completed task is a step forward. At the end of the day:
- Reflect on what went well.
- Celebrate any progress, no matter how small.
- Use that momentum to plan the next day’s six tasks.
10. Keep It Simple
The power of the Ivy Lee Technique is its simplicity. No fancy apps or complicated systems — just a pen, paper, and your priorities.
Final Thought: Productivity in Its Purest Form
When life feels chaotic, the Ivy Lee Technique brings you back to basics: focus on what matters, one task at a time.
Start tonight. Write down your six tasks. Wake up tomorrow with clarity and purpose.
Productivity doesn’t have to be complicated — sometimes, simpler is better.