The Ivy Lee Method: A Simple Strategy to Stop Procrastination and Boost Productivity

The Ivy Lee Method: The Daily Routine Experts Recommend for Peak Productivity

By 1918, Charles M. Schwab was one of the wealthiest men in the world. As the president of Bethlehem Steel Corporation, he constantly sought ways to enhance efficiency and stay ahead of the competition. His search led him to Ivy Lee, a respected productivity consultant and a pioneer in public relations.

Intrigued by Lee’s expertise, Schwab invited him for a meeting, asking for a method to help his executives work more effectively.

Lee confidently responded, “Give me 15 minutes with each of your executives.” When Schwab asked about the cost, Lee offered a bold proposal: “Pay me whatever you think it’s worth after three months.”

The Ivy Lee Method: A Simple Approach to Beating Procrastination

During his brief sessions, Lee introduced a straightforward productivity system:

1. At the end of each workday, write down the six most important tasks for the next day—no more than six.

2. Prioritize these tasks in order of their significance.

3. The next day, start with the first task and work on it until completion before moving on to the next one.

4. Continue through the list in the same manner. Any unfinished tasks should be moved to the next day’s list.

5. Repeat this process daily.

Why This Method Works

Despite its simplicity, the Ivy Lee Method had a profound impact on Schwab’s company. After three months, Schwab was so impressed that he wrote Lee a check for $25,000—equivalent to about $400,000 today.

What makes this method so powerful?

1. It Simplifies Decision-Making

One of the biggest barriers to productivity is complexity. Many time management techniques involve elaborate systems, but Lee’s approach is refreshingly simple. By limiting your focus to just six tasks, you eliminate decision fatigue and increase efficiency.

2. It Forces Prioritization

Many people struggle with managing priorities, often juggling too many tasks at once. By selecting and ranking just six tasks, you’re forced to identify what truly matters, ensuring that you focus on high-impact work.

3. It Reduces Procrastination

Starting is often the hardest part. Lee’s method eliminates this barrier by establishing a clear plan the night before. When you start your day, there’s no need to waste time figuring out what to do—you already have a roadmap.

4. It Promotes Deep Focus

Multitasking is a productivity killer. The Ivy Lee Method encourages single-tasking, allowing you to dedicate your full attention to one task at a time. This deep focus leads to higher quality work and faster completion rates.

The Key Takeaway

Productivity doesn’t have to be complicated. The Ivy Lee Method proves that a simple, structured approach can be incredibly effective. By planning your tasks, prioritizing them, and focusing on one thing at a time, you can stop procrastination and accomplish more each day.

Give it a try for a week—you might be surprised by how much more you get done!