Are you looking for a simple and straightforward method of being more productive at work?
Of course you are! Who isn’t?
In today’s age of jumping from one task right to another, and then getting pulled away to “put out a fire,” it’s a wonder we can get anything done at all!
While there’s all types of systems and methods, it’s best to follow the KISS (Keep It Stupidly Simple) principle. That said, I now present you with the Ivy Lee productivity method that Charles Schwab paid him $25,000 for in the 1920’s.
- Before you leave work, write down the six most important things you need to do tomorrow. Number them from 1 to 6 in order of importance.
- Go home. Leave the work at work! Spend some quality time with your family, work on you (reading books, writing something, have some fun).
- The next morning, pull out your list, and start with the first thing. Work at it until it’s completed.
- Move on to the next item, but only after you’ve completed the previous. Understand that interruptions will happen — it’s almost guaranteed. And that’s OK, just get back to your list as quickly as you can.
- Repeat. If you don’t finish you probably wouldn’t have finished anyway – when you realize this, you know when to say no to a new task (or give it to someone else).
There you have it folks! The stupidly simple productivity method that (hopefully) you can use to improve your productivity by 50% or better.
Let me know below how this method has worked for you, or if you have any other ideas.