Tools for Simplicity: Less is More
In the spirit of Ivy Lee, the best tools for this method are the simplest ones. The goal is to reduce friction between you and the work, not to add another layer of digital administration to your day. You do not need a new app. In fact, you should actively resist the urge to find one.
The Analog Approach: Pen and Paper
The original, and for many the best, way to implement the Ivy Lee Method is with a physical tool. A simple 3×5 index card, a page in a dedicated notebook, or a sticky note are all you need.
There is a unique power in the physical act of writing. It forces you to slow down and think more deliberately about each item you add to your list. The constraints of the physical page naturally limit you, reinforcing the “six items only” rule. Crossing a completed item off a physical list provides a satisfying tactile and visual feedback loop that a digital checkmark can’t replicate. Keep your notecard or notebook on your desk, always visible, as a constant, non-intrusive reminder of your top priority.
The Minimalist Digital Approach
If you live and die by your screen, a digital tool can work, but only if you choose the most basic one possible. Avoid feature-rich to-do list apps with tags, projects, and due dates. These features invite complexity and procrastination.
Your best options are a plain text file (`.txt`) saved to your desktop or a simple, built-in notes application like Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac). Each night, create a new note titled with tomorrow’s date. Type your six items, number them, and save. The next day, you simply delete the line as you complete the task. The key is to use a tool that does nothing but hold text. It should not have notifications, sharing features, or formatting options that can distract you.
Supporting Tools: Calendars and Timers
While your list itself should be simple, you can use your existing digital calendar and a timer to support your execution.
Your Calendar as a Commitment Device: Once you have your Ivy Lee list, open your digital calendar. For your top 1-3 tasks, block out specific, realistic chunks of time to work on them. For example, if Task #1 is “Draft the project proposal,” create a calendar event from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM called “DEEP WORK: Project Proposal Draft.” This does two things: it protects your time from being booked by others, and it serves as a powerful, public commitment to yourself about your priorities for the day.
A Simple Timer for Focus: When you begin a timeboxed work session, use a timer. This can be the timer on your phone (put it in Do Not Disturb mode), a simple kitchen timer, or a web-based timer. The act of starting a timer signals to your brain that it is time to focus. It’s a clear boundary. For the next 60, 75, or 90 minutes, your only job is to work on the task at hand. When the timer goes off, your job is to take a break. This rhythm prevents burnout and helps maintain high energy levels throughout the day. Studies on attentional resources, often supported by institutions like the National Institutes of Health, show that periodic breaks are essential for sustained cognitive performance.
