The Life Hack That Made Me More Productive

I'm not sure if it's because I'm a millennial that grew up with a cellphone or if it's a personality trait...but I can't focus on one task at a time. Sometimes it's a blessing, sometimes it's a curse. Sure, I can get a lot done at once, but it's a lot slower than if I were to focus on one project at a time. I go through the same cycle every month...buy a cute new planner or a new app to be more productive...and every time I fall out of it. I finally found a system that works...and it's been around for 100 years! Re-introducing the Ivy Lee method.

This method of productivity is shockingly simple. Right before you go to bed, write down a list of six things you need to do the following day from the highest priority to the lowest. This can be on the notes app on your phone or in a planner.

The next morning, revisit that list and start from the top. Focus on that first priority and only that priority until it's done. Once that one is complete, move on to number two and so forth. If you don't get to something, move it to the top of your list for the next day. It works because it is simple and it forces you to make difficult decisions.

This works because it helps you avoid multitasking, which sounds like a sin to me...but it's the most effective practice I have implemented in my life and it's so easy to do!

Ivy Lee pitched this idea to Charles W. Schwab, a millionaire businessman. The initial meeting didn't cost Mr. Schwab a dime on the condition that Mr. Schwab to would send him a check for what he valued the method at after three months. That check was good for today's equivalent of $400,000.

If you can't commit to six tasks a day, start with one and only one focus on that when you start your day. After that, carry on as usual...but I think you're going to love Ivy Lee after this. ;)