Ivy Lee Six Task Triage

Structure tomorrow by choosing exactly six high value tasks and ranking them in order. The Ivy Lee prioritization method keeps your workday focused on one clear target at a time.

4 time blocks, 15 minutes in total.

Time blocks

Gather pending actions: 3 min
Scan your inbox, physical notes, and current task manager
Select six core priorities: 4 min
Pick no more than six essential tasks for tomorrow
Rank items in strict order: 4 min
Number the six tasks 1 through 6 based on true value
Define morning entry point: 4 min
Write down the exact first action needed to start task one

About this routine

In 1918, productivity consultant Ivy Lee introduced the Ivy Lee prioritization method to Charles M. Schwab at Bethlehem Steel. The system was simple: at the end of each workday, write down the six most important tasks for tomorrow, rank them in order of true value, and tackle them one by one without moving to the next until the current task is complete. This daily ritual eliminates decision fatigue before your workday even begins.

By enforcing a strict ceiling of six items, you force yourself to discard minor tasks and clarify what actually moves projects forward. Ranking the list creates immediate clarity when you sit down at your desk, removing the morning friction of deciding where to start.

Running this sequence at the close of every workday prepares your mind for focus tomorrow. You can run through this quick plan step by step with a daily routine timer to keep your end-of-day review crisp and repeatable.

Why this routine works

Reduces morning decision fatigue by setting clear targets the night before
Forces strict prioritization by capping daily commitments at six tasks
Eliminates task switching by directing focus to one item at a time

FAQ

What is the Ivy Lee prioritization method?

It is a productivity framework where you write down six key tasks at the end of the day, rank them from 1 to 6, and complete them strictly in that order the following day.

Why does the Ivy Lee method cap tasks at six?

Capping your daily list at six items prevents overcommitment and forces you to isolate the actions that carry genuine value.

When should you do the Ivy Lee task triage?

The routine works best during the final 15 minutes of your workday so your targets are set before you log off.

Sources

The Ivy Lee Method: The Daily Routine Experts Recommend, James Clear
How to Master the Ivy Lee Method, Harvard Business Review

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