When aiming to be more productive, it's wise to look to someone who has mastered the art of productivity. While contemporary CEOs often share their work habits, their advice can sometimes be impractical for the average person. For real inspiration, consider looking back in time to Ivy Lee, the founder of modern public relations, who developed a productivity method so effective that it has endured for over a century. Here’s how you can apply the Ivy Lee method to your daily routine.
What is the Ivy Lee Method?
My dream in life is to do something so unique and impactful that my name gets attached to it for all eternity, but my more immediate goals involve just getting my basic tasks done each day. Ivy Lee managed to achieve both. In the 1920s, he devised his productivity method to help big businesses become more efficient. The Ivy Lee method is all about creating manageable, prioritized to-do lists and sticking to them until they’re complete.
How to Use the Ivy Lee Method
The method itself is simple. At the end of each workday, write down six tasks you need to complete the next day. (If it’s Friday, list what you need to do on Monday. Remember, taking breaks over the weekend is crucial for maintaining productivity.) Do not list more than six tasks. The goal is to keep the list manageable, not overwhelming, so use your judgment to determine which six tasks are most important for the following day. Next, prioritize them. You can prioritize in any way that works for you, but consider using a method like the Eisenhower Matrix to identify the most timely and urgent tasks.
The next day, start with the first task on your list and see it through to completion before moving on to the second task. Continue this process until the end of your workday. Focus on doing deep work by concentrating on one task at a time. If you don’t complete a task, move it to the next day’s list and add new tasks until you have six again.
Rolling tasks over ensures they’ll get done without feeling overwhelming. However, keep tasks as granular as possible. Instead of writing “end-of-quarter report” as a single item, break it down into smaller tasks like “pull and analyze data” and “input data into presentation.”
As mentioned, you can use a planner, a digital note, or even your calendar, but the key elements are keeping the number of tasks low, prioritizing them, and ensuring unfinished tasks are rolled over and prioritized above new tasks.
The Science Behind the Ivy Lee Method
The Ivy Lee method works because it leverages psychological principles that enhance productivity. By limiting your to-do list to six tasks, you avoid decision fatigue and stay focused. Prioritizing tasks ensures you tackle the most important items first, which can boost your sense of accomplishment and motivation. Writing tasks by hand engages different parts of your brain, helping to reinforce your commitments.
Tips for Implementing the Ivy Lee Method
1. Consistency is Key: Make it a habit to write your tasks at the end of each workday. Consistency will help you build a productive routine.
2. Review and Reflect: Take a few minutes at the end of the week to review your progress. Reflecting on what worked and what didn’t can help you improve your process.
3. Stay Flexible: Life is unpredictable, and sometimes you may need to adjust your list. Stay flexible and adapt as necessary, but always aim to return to your prioritized tasks.
Why the Ivy Lee Method is Still Relevant Today
Despite being developed over a century ago, the Ivy Lee method remains relevant because it addresses the fundamental aspects of productivity. It’s simple, easy to implement, and adaptable to any work environment. In a world filled with distractions and information overload, having a clear, prioritized to-do list can significantly enhance your efficiency and focus.
Conclusion
The Ivy Lee method is a powerful tool for improving productivity. By focusing on a small number of prioritized tasks each day, you can achieve more with less stress. Start implementing this method today and experience the difference it can make in your work and life.
