Ivy Lee Method
A simple yet powerful productivity technique: plan 3-5 prioritized tasks each evening and work through them sequentially the next day.
Also known as: Lee method, Six tasks method
Category: Methods
Tags: methods, prioritization, productivity, planning, time-management
Explanation
The Ivy Lee Method is a straightforward productivity technique developed by efficiency consultant Ivy Lee in 1918. It's remarkably simple but highly effective for maintaining focus and making consistent progress.
**The Method:**
Every evening before finishing work:
1. **Write down 3-5 things** you plan to get done the next day
2. **Rank them** from highest to lowest priority
3. In the morning, **start working on the highest priority task**
4. **Only move on to task #2** once you've completed the first
5. **Repeat** until your list is complete
**Why It Works:**
1. **Eliminates decision fatigue**: By deciding priorities the night before, you wake up knowing exactly what to do. No morning deliberation required.
2. **Forces prioritization**: You can't list everything - only 3-5 items. This forces you to identify what truly matters.
3. **Single-tasking**: Working on one task at a time until completion prevents context switching and improves focus.
4. **Evening planning advantage**: Planning when your day's work is fresh in mind produces better priority decisions than morning planning.
5. **Psychological closure**: Ending each day with a clear plan for tomorrow reduces anxiety and provides mental closure.
**Tips for Success:**
- Keep the list short - 3-5 items maximum
- Put unfinished tasks at the top of tomorrow's list
- Be realistic about what you can accomplish
- Combine with time blocking for even better results
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