How to Plan Your Day
Most people start their day with endless to-do lists and competing priorities. We multitask, switch between projects, and end up finishing less than they planned.
Over a century ago, productivity consultant Ivy Lee developed a simple and effective method that is still being used today. It helps people focus on what truly matters, one task at a time.
The Core Concept
The Ivy Lee Method is built around clarity and focus. By identifying your six most important tasks each day and ranking them by priority, you make better use of your time and mental energy.
The method follows four simple steps:
Step 1 - Define top tasks
Each evening, write down six important tasks for tomorrow. These should be the most crucial items that move your work or goals forward.
Step 2 - Rank them by importance
Prioritization keeps you from wasting time on less meaningful work.
Step 3 - Get started
Start the next day with the first task. Focus completely on it until it’s finished before moving to the next one.
Step 4 - Carry Forward
Move unfinished tasks to the next day; this keeps your list fresh and realistic.
Don't blame yourself if it's not complete (at least not for the most important ones). Just ask if they still matter before carrying them over. Over time, you’ll naturally learn to choose better priorities.
The Benefit of Using This Method
This structure is simple but powerful. It removes the chaos of multitasking and helps you make steady progress every day.
- Stay focused and reduce distractions.
- Make daily progress on what matters most.
- Avoid decision fatigue from managing too many priorities.
- End each day with a clear sense of accomplishment.
Implementation Scenarios
- Work Productivity: Start each workday with six prioritized goals to sharpen focus and reduce overwhelm.
- Personal Projects: Apply the method to side projects, study plans, or household tasks to stay consistent.
- Team Management: Encourage team members to share their top six tasks daily for better coordination and accountability.
Practical Takeaway
Productivity is not about doing more, it’s about doing what matters most.
The Ivy Lee Method gives you a clear plan for every day and the discipline to follow it. Simplicity, when applied with consistency, is often the most powerful productivity tool of all.
