A step-by-step guide on how to practise Ivy Lee's method was published in a LinkedIn Pulse article.
1. Each evening, write down the six most important tasks for the next day
This list will help you clearly prioritise and avoid the morning grope about what to start with. Studies confirm that writing down tasks increases the likelihood of completing them by up to 70%.
2. Prioritise tasks
Working on the right things in the right order minimises decision fatigue. The less energy you burn on thinking about what task comes next, the more you have left for actual implementation.
3. Start with the first task in the morning and focus on that task alone
Multitasking is a myth: our brains just jump chaotically between tasks. Focused work on one goal leads to better results and lower error rates.
4. Move unfinished tasks to the next day
If you miss some items, simply reassign them to a new list. At the same time, analyse why they were not completed and adjust your planning.
5. Repeat every day
Ivy Lee's method is effective precisely because of its simplicity. You don't need any apps or complicated systems, but just 15 minutes a day to help you become more efficient and have a calmer mind.
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