Source: Ivy Lee, productivity advice reportedly given to Charles M. Schwab of Bethlehem Steel in the early 20th century
A daily routine of writing down six tasks for tomorrow in priority order and working through them one at a time. Unfinished tasks roll over to the next list.
When to use it
Use it when you want a simple, low-effort way to start each day with clear priorities.
How to apply it
At the end of each workday, write down the six most important tasks for tomorrow.
Rank them in order of true importance.
Start tomorrow with the first task and work on it until it is done.
Move to the next task only when the current one is finished.
Carry any unfinished tasks to the new list at the end of the day.
Tip: The limit of six is the point; resist adding more.