Task Manager - Ivy Lee Method

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by a never-ending to-do list, this template is for you. The Ive Lee Method Task Manager helps you cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters—just six tasks a day, carefully prioritized for maximum impact. With a simple, structured layout, this Notion template keeps you organized, reduces decision fatigue, and helps you end each day with a sense of accomplishment.

I created this template to bring clarity and focus to my own workflow, and now I hope it does the same for you. Let’s make productivity feel effortless! 🚀

Who introduced the Ivy Lee Method?

The Ivy Lee Method was developed in 1918 by Ivy Lee, a productivity consultant and PR expert. He introduced this system to Charles M. Schwab, the president of Bethlehem Steel Corporation, to help improve his team’s efficiency.

Lee’s advice was so effective that after a few months, Schwab was so impressed with the results that he wrote Lee a $25,000 check (equivalent to over $400,000 today!) as a thank-you.

This method has stood the test of time because of its simplicity and effectiveness—helping people prioritize, focus, and complete important tasks without getting overwhelmed. 🚀

What is the Ivy Lee Method?

The Ivy Lee Method is a simple and effective productivity technique for organizing daily tasks. Here’s how it works, step by step:

1. Write down 6 tasks

• At the end of each day, list the six most important tasks you need to complete the next day.

• Keep it only six—no more, no less.

2. Prioritize them

• Arrange the tasks in order of importance from most to least critical.

3. Start with the first task

• The next day, begin with the first task and focus only on that until it’s done.

• Avoid distractions and multitasking.

4. Move to the next task

• Once the first task is done, move on to the second, and so on.

• Work through the list in sequence.

5. Carry over unfinished tasks

• If any tasks remain incomplete, move them to tomorrow’s list and repeat the process.

6. Repeat daily

• Do this every evening to plan for the next day and stay consistently productive.

It’s simple but powerful because it forces you to focus on what truly matters! 🚀