The Ivy Lee Productivity Method: The Simple Strategy That Works
Lately, I’ve been struggling with my to-do list - both at home and work. On the business side, I’ve been deep in new projects, content creation, and client work. At home, I’ve been tackling a major decluttering mission now that spring has finally arrived.
For as long as I’ve been running my own businesses, I’ve found it makes sense to merge my work and home to-do lists into one. Life and business are so intertwined that separating them feels unnatural. Having everything in one place helps me manage my time better and stay on top of both personal and professional priorities.
I use a hybrid approach to productivity, combining bullet journalling, Apple Reminders, and time-blocking (I’ll dive into these in future posts). Usually, this system works well for me. But lately, it has felt like I’ve been wading through mud rather than making real progress.
I was overwhelmed.
No matter how much I planned, my never-ending to-do list seemed to grow rather than shrink. I found myself procrastinating more than I’d like to admit, simply because I didn’t know where to start. And while I usually pride myself on being organised and efficient, something wasn’t quite working.
Then, I remembered one of my favourite productivity methods from the past - one that had been hugely successful for me before but had somehow slipped off my radar: The Ivy Lee Method.
What is the Ivy Lee Method?
The Ivy Lee Method is a time-tested productivity technique that has been around for over 100 years. It was developed by Ivy Lee, a productivity consultant, in the early 1900s when he was hired by Charles Schwab, the president of Bethlehem Steel. Lee’s approach was so effective that Schwab credited it with dramatically increasing productivity across his company.
What makes this method so powerful? It’s incredibly simple, yet highly effective. And best of all, it helps eliminate decision fatigue while keeping you focused on what truly matters.
Here’s how it works:
At the end of each day, write down the six most important things you need to accomplish the next day. No more than six!
Prioritise these tasks in order of importance.
The next day, start with the first task and work on it until it’s complete before moving on to the next one.
Continue working down your list in order, focusing on one task at a time.
At the end of the day, move any unfinished tasks to a new list of six for the following day.
Repeat this process daily.
Why the Ivy Lee Method Works
In a world filled with digital tools, apps, and never-ending notifications, this analogue approach feels refreshingly simple. The magic lies in its constraints and clarity.
✔️ Reduces Decision Fatigue – By planning your tasks the night before, you eliminate the morning struggle of figuring out what to do first.
✔️ Encourages Deep Focus – Multitasking kills productivity. The Ivy Lee Method forces you to focus on one task at a time.
✔️ Gives You a Clear Starting Point – No more wasted time wondering where to begin. The list is already set for you.
✔️ Sets a Limit – With only six tasks per day, you prioritise what truly matters instead of trying to tackle an overwhelming, never-ending list.
My Experience Using the Ivy Lee Method Again
Reintroducing this method into my routine has been a game-changer. Instead of staring at a long list and feeling paralysed by indecision, I now have a focused plan for the day. The mental clarity of knowing exactly what to do next has helped me regain momentum, both in business and at home.
One of the biggest benefits? I’ve noticed I’m far more intentional with my time. Because I only allow myself six key tasks per day, I make sure they count. Anything that doesn’t truly need to be done gets filtered out.
Give It a Try
The Ivy Lee Method has stood the test of time for a reason. In a world that glorifies multitasking and complex productivity hacks, this method brings us back to basics: prioritise, focus, and take action.
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list, try it for a week and see how much more productive (and less stressed) you feel. Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective.
Have you tried the Ivy Lee Method before? How do you structure your to-do list?
