If you often end your workday feeling overwhelmed by unfinished tasks, the Ivy Lee Method might be the game-changer you need. This time-tested productivity technique helps you focus on what truly matters—without overcomplicating your to-do list.
I personally struggled with juggling multiple priorities and always felt like I had too much on my plate. But once I started using the Ivy Lee Method, my days became clearer, more structured, and way more productive. If you’ve been in the same boat, this method is worth trying!
The Story Behind the Method
In 1918, productivity consultant Ivy Lee was hired by Charles M. Schwab, the CEO of Bethlehem Steel, to improve his team’s efficiency. Lee introduced a simple six-step method, and within months, Schwab saw remarkable improvements. When asked for his fee, Lee simply requested that Schwab pay him based on the method’s impact. Schwab later sent a $25,000 check (equivalent to over $400,000 today!), calling it the most valuable advice he’d ever received.
What Is the Ivy Lee Method?
The Ivy Lee Method is a 100-year-old productivity strategy used by some of the most successful people in history. The concept is simple:
- At the end of each workday, write down the six most important tasks you need to complete the next day.
- Prioritize them in order of importance.
- The next day, start with the first task and work on it until it’s done before moving to the next one.
- If you don’t complete all six tasks, move the unfinished ones to the next day’s list.
- Repeat this process daily.
Benefits of Ivy Lee Method:
✔ Eliminates Decision Fatigue – You start your day knowing exactly what to work on.
✔ Encourages Deep Work – You focus on one task at a time instead of multitasking.
✔ Prioritizes What Truly Matters – Your workday is structured around high-priority tasks.
✔ Reduces Overwhelm – No long, exhausting to-do lists—just six essential tasks per day.
Personally, this method transformed the way I approach my daily workload. Instead of feeling tired in an endless cycle of tasks, I now end my days feeling accomplished.
To make it easier to follow this method, I’ve created a “FREE Ivy Lee Method Task Manager” in Notion. This Notion Template is a simple, structured way to:
✅ Prioritize tasks using the Ivy Lee Method
✅ Track your daily progress effortlessly
✅ Stay consistent and build productive habits
Grab the Notion Template for FREE at:
Try it out and see how this century-old method transforms your productivity! 🚀
Locominder
Notion Recommended Creator
Explore my 25+ productive Notion templates to improve your productivity in many areas at:
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