6 tasks, 1 day, infinite progress

What is Ivy Lee Method?

The Ivy Lee Method is a simple time and task management technique created in 1918 by productivity consultant Ivy Lee. It helps you focus on what matters most, reduce decision fatigue and get things done consistently.

The method has 4 simple steps:

1. At the end of each day, write down six most important tasks you need to accomplish the next day. (Not more than 6).
2. Prioritise them in order of true importance.
3. The next day, start with the first task and don’t move to the next until it’s finished.
4. At the end of the day, review unfinished tasks, move them to the next day’s list and repeat the process.

Example for a Civil Services aspirant

Let’s say you’re preparing for UPSC.

At night, you plan your next day’s 6 priority tasks:

1. Revise polity (Fundamental Rights)
2. Practice 10 GS Mains questions (answer writing)
3. Read The Tribune and make notes of editorials
4. Solve 25 MCQs on modern history
5. Revise short notes on geography – climatic regions
6. Watch a previous year question (PYQ) paper analysis video (2017 Prelims)

➡️ The next day, you start only with Task 1 (Polity). You don’t skip to Task 4 just because MCQs feel easier. This creates deep focus and prevents “busy work” from replacing “important work.”

How it increases output

1. Clarity of goals: No confusion about what to study when you wake up. Saves decision energy. Example: Instead of thinking, “Should I do current affairs or GS answer writing?”, you already have a plan.
2. Focus on priorities: Forces you to do what’s important for UPSC (revision, answer writing, PYQs) and not just comfortable tasks. Example: Many aspirants read newspapers endlessly but skip answer writing. Ivy Lee ensures it’s prioritised.
3. Reduces overwhelm: Just six tasks a day feels doable. Over time, these small wins create momentum. Example: Completing 6 key tasks daily = 180 tasks a month = 2,000+ focused tasks in a year.
4. Builds discipline: By following order, you learn to handle hard/boring topics first. Example: If polity revision is Task 1, you’ll finish it before MCQs (which feel lighter).

Example of output improvement

Without Ivy Lee: Aspirant starts the day checking WhatsApp groups, reads random newspaper articles, studies a bit of geography, leaves polity half-done, doesn’t write answers. Feels “busy” but not effective.

With Ivy Lee: Aspirant completes 4–5 of the most important tasks daily (polity, answer writing, PYQs). Over a month, coverage is systematic and balanced.

Key takeaway for aspirants

For a civil services aspirant, the Ivy Lee method ensures focus, prioritisation and consistency. If applied daily, it will multiply your output without increasing study hours.