In a world filled with productivity hacks, apps, and strategies, there’s one method that has stood the test of time, proving to be as effective today as it was over a century ago. It’s known as the Ivy Lee Method, a simple yet powerful daily routine that has helped countless individuals and businesses improve their focus, efficiency, and results.
But where did this method come from? And why has it remained so effective for so long?
The Origins of the Ivy Lee Method
In 1918, Charles M. Schwab, one of the wealthiest men in the world and the president of Bethlehem Steel Corporation, was on a relentless quest to improve the productivity of his company. Schwab sought out Ivy Lee, a well-known business consultant, and asked for his advice.
Lee proposed a deceptively simple solution: "Give me 15 minutes with each of your executives, and I’ll show them a routine that will make them more productive."
When Schwab inquired about the cost of Lee’s services, the consultant said, "Pay me what you think it’s worth after you’ve tried it for a few months."
Schwab and his team implemented the method. After three months, Schwab was so impressed with the results that he wrote Lee a check for $25,000—an astonishing sum at the time, equivalent to over $400,000 today.
So, what was this method that revolutionized Bethlehem Steel’s productivity?
The Ivy Lee Method: A Simple, Yet Powerful Routine
Here’s how it works:
- At the end of each workday, write down the six most important tasks you need to accomplish the following day. No more, no less.
- Prioritize those tasks in order of their importance.
- The next day, focus solely on the first task. Work on it until it’s completed before moving on to the next.
- Continue this process through the rest of your list. If any tasks remain unfinished by the end of the day, move them to the next day’s list of six.
- Repeat the process daily.
That’s it. No fancy apps, no complex systems—just a pen, paper, and a disciplined approach to prioritization.
Why the Ivy Lee Method Works
At first glance, the Ivy Lee Method might seem too simple to be effective. After all, with so many technological advancements, shouldn’t we have something more sophisticated for managing our time?
However, its effectiveness lies precisely in its simplicity. Here’s why:
- It Forces You to Focus on What Truly Matters
By limiting yourself to just six tasks each day, you’re forced to make tough decisions about what’s most important. This prevents the classic mistake of trying to do too much and ending up overwhelmed. Productivity isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things.
Much like Warren Buffett’s 25-5 Rule, which focuses on choosing five critical tasks and ignoring the rest, the Ivy Lee Method imposes constraints that help you prioritize the essential and eliminate the distractions.
- It Removes the Barrier to Starting
The hardest part of completing a task is often getting started. When you decide the night before what your first task will be, you eliminate the friction that typically comes with figuring out where to begin. This allows you to start your day with clear direction and purpose.
For example, many writers struggle with what to write about when they sit down in the morning. Deciding this in advance helps overcome the inertia, making it easier to jump straight into work.
- It Embraces the Power of Single-Tasking
We live in a culture that celebrates multitasking. But research shows that the most successful people focus deeply on one thing at a time. Whether they’re athletes, scientists, or CEOs, world-class performers understand the value of undivided attention.
The Ivy Lee Method forces you to single-task. You don’t move on to the next item until the first is complete, ensuring that you give your full effort to each task. This leads to higher-quality work and greater satisfaction in what you accomplish.
- It’s Simple Enough to Stick With
Many productivity systems are overly complex. They require specific tools, software, or steps that can be hard to maintain consistently. The beauty of the Ivy Lee Method is that it’s so simple that anyone can use it, anytime, anywhere. This makes it much easier to adopt as a daily habit and continue using over the long term.
A Routine for Peak Productivity
The key to productivity isn’t finding the latest tech solution or complicated strategy. It’s about developing simple, effective habits that you can follow every day. The Ivy Lee Method cuts through the noise, giving you a clear, structured way to focus on what’s most important.
So, if you’re looking to improve your productivity, don’t get caught up in the complexities of modern life. Follow Ivy Lee’s advice: write down your six most important tasks, prioritize them, and get to work.
This timeless method could be just what you need to unlock your peak productivity.