What if the secret to productivity wasn’t a new app, a complex system, or an elaborate morning routine—but a simple six-step method from 1918?
The Ivy Lee Method has been quietly powering the world’s top performers for over a century. It helped Charles Schwab, one of the richest men of his time, transform his company’s efficiency—and it can do the same for you.
Let’s break it down.
What Is the Ivy Lee Method?
In 1918, Charles Schwab, CEO of Bethlehem Steel, wanted to improve his team’s productivity. He brought in Ivy Lee, a respected business consultant, and asked for a simple but effective system to help executives get more done.
Lee’s advice?
He didn’t suggest working harder. He didn’t recommend hiring more people. Instead, he gave them a six-step method so straightforward it seemed almost too simple to work.
How the Ivy Lee Method Works
At the end of each workday, follow these steps:
1️⃣ Write down six important tasks you need to accomplish the next day.
2️⃣ Rank them in order of importance.
3️⃣ The next day, start with the first task. Work on it until it’s finished before moving to the next one.
4️⃣ Continue working one task at a time, in order.
5️⃣ If any tasks are unfinished, move them to tomorrow’s list.
6️⃣ Repeat this process every day.
That’s it. No complicated systems. No overwhelming to-do lists. Just six tasks, tackled with focus and intention.
Why It Works (And Why It’s Still Relevant Today)
Despite being over 100 years old, the Ivy Lee Method is backed by modern psychology. Here’s why it remains one of the best productivity techniques:
✅ Eliminates Decision Fatigue: You start the day with a clear plan instead of wasting energy deciding what to do.
✅ Forces Prioritization: Instead of juggling everything, you focus on what truly matters.
✅ Encourages Deep Work: By tackling one task at a time, you enter a flow state, reducing distractions and boosting efficiency.
✅ Reduces Overwhelm: Six tasks feel manageable, unlike never-ending to-do lists.
Even Warren Buffett’s “Two List Strategy” follows the same logic: focus on a few critical tasks, and ignore the rest.
The $25,000 Productivity Advice
After a three-month trial, Schwab was so impressed with the results that he wrote Ivy Lee a check for $25,000—an enormous sum in 1918 (equivalent to about $400,000 today!).
Why? Because this simple system transformed his company and skyrocketed productivity across his leadership team.
How to Apply the Ivy Lee Method in Your Daily Life
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a busy professional, or a student, this method can help you work smarter. Here’s how to get started:
📌 Start small: Try it for a week. Write down six key tasks each night and see how it changes your workflow.
📌 Stick to the order: Don’t multitask. Work one task at a time before moving on.
📌 Adjust as needed: If six tasks feel overwhelming, start with three to five instead.
Final Thoughts
In a world obsessed with complex productivity hacks, the Ivy Lee Method proves that simplicity wins. It’s easy to implement, removes decision fatigue, and helps you focus on what truly matters.
Give it a try. Tonight, before bed, write down your six tasks. Tomorrow, tackle them one by one—and experience how powerful this 100-year-old method still is.
Would you try the Ivy Lee Method? Drop a ✅ in the comments if you’re up for the challenge!
Leave a comment