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After the holidays, it can be difficult to get back to work. But, fortunately, there are several methods to increase productivity. One of them helps us prioritize our tasks and missions so as not to let ourselves be overwhelmed.
This method is called Ivy Lee, in reference to its creator. This consultant lived in the United States in the 1920s. At the time, he was hired by Charles M. Schwab, boss of the Bethlehem Steel Corporation, to improve the efficiency of his employees, according to the trade magazine Business Insider. Ivy Lee’s advice proved so useful that the business manager thanked him by writing him a check for $25,000, the equivalent today of $400,000 (365,340 euros).
What does the Ivy Lee method consist of?
But then what does this century-old method consist of? It is based on two pillars: planning and prioritizing. The day before a particularly busy work day, identify six important tasks you need to complete and prioritize them by priority level. Force yourself to list only six to avoid ending up with a “to-do list” that is as indigestible as it is unachievable.
The next morning, once you arrive at the office or plug in your computer for remote workers, let your list guide you. Be careful not to let yourself be tempted by multitasking: switching from one activity to another or practicing several at once often leads to inaccuracies. Once you have completed one of the listed missions, move on to the next one.
At the end of the day, if you haven’t managed to do everything you planned, don’t panic. All you need to do is write a new “to-do list” at the top of which you will write down the few tasks you still need to complete from the day before. Repeat this process until it is ingrained into your habits.
An organizational system to avoid the “tyranny of choice”
For some, the Ivy Lee method is self-evident and not revolutionary. But it has the advantage of pushing those who apply it to make choices. This allows them to overcome what the American psychologist Barry Schwartz calls “the tyranny of choice”. This concept is based on the observation that contemporary society constantly pushes us to make choices, whether at the supermarket or at work. The most determined minds see it as a mark of personal freedom, while the most undecided find themselves paralyzed in the face of such a multiplicity of options. This can cause stress and negative emotions in them.
The Ivy Lee method spares us this unpleasant experience since it imposes a strict framework. It minimizes our chances of being locked into “the tyranny of choice”, leading to increased motivation and personal well-being. The ideal way to start the year off right.
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