The Ivy Lee Method is the simplest productivity system ever created. In 1918, productivity consultant Ivy Lee told Bethlehem Steel executives to write down their six most important tasks each day, prioritize them, and work on them one at a time until complete.
A century later, this method still works because it forces focus. But most productivity apps complicate it with features you don't need. The best Ivy Lee Method app should feel like the original system — simple, visible, and distraction-free.
What to Look for in an Ivy Lee Method App
The Ivy Lee Method succeeds because of its simplicity. Your app should preserve that, not complicate it. Here's what actually matters when choosing digital tools for the six-task system:
Visual simplicity. The original method used a simple list on paper. Your app should feel equally clean — no overwhelming interfaces, no feature bloat that distracts from your six priorities. Each task should be clearly visible and easy to manage.
Quick capture and editing. You need to write down tomorrow's six tasks at the end of each day, then adjust them as needed. The app should make this fast and friction-free, not buried under menus or complex workflows.
Cross-device access. Your task list needs to follow you — from your morning coffee at home to your desk at work to your phone during commutes. The system breaks down if you can't see your priorities when you need them.
TaskLoco: Digital Sticky Notes for Daily Priorities
TaskLoco captures the spirit of the Ivy Lee Method better than complex project managers or overwhelming task apps. Each note works like a digital sticky note — simple, visual, and focused on one thing at a time.
Create six notes for tomorrow's priorities. Arrange them in order of importance. Work through them one by one. When you finish a task, mark it complete and move to the next. At the end of the day, create six new notes for tomorrow.
The interface stays clean because TaskLoco is built around notes, not endless feature lists. No project hierarchies, no complex workflows, no productivity theater. Just your six most important tasks, visible and actionable.
Your notes sync across all devices automatically. Check your priorities on your phone during your morning commute, work on them at your computer, review progress on your tablet. The system follows you everywhere without complicated setup or configuration.
Why Simple Notes Beat Complex Task Managers
Most productivity apps fight against the Ivy Lee Method by adding complexity. They want you to organize tasks into projects, set up elaborate workflows, configure multiple priority levels, and track countless metrics. This misses the entire point.
Ivy Lee's genius was elimination, not addition. Six tasks maximum. Work on one until complete. Start the next one. The system works because it forces brutal prioritization — you can't hide behind busy work when you only have six slots.
TaskLoco preserves this focus. Each note contains one priority. You can add details, attach files, and set reminders, but the core remains simple. No artificial complexity, no feature creep, no productivity theater that makes you feel busy without getting important work done.
The Chrome extension lets you capture web content directly into notes — research for your priorities, reference materials, or inspiration. But it's still just adding to a note, not creating elaborate project structures that obscure your actual priorities.
Making the Method Work in Modern Work
The original Ivy Lee Method assumed you worked alone at a desk with minimal interruptions. Modern work requires some adaptation without losing the core principles.
TaskLoco's team sharing lets you share specific priorities with colleagues when needed. But it's not about collaborative task management — it's about communication. Share a note about today's client presentation so your team knows your priority, or pass along research that supports someone else's focus.
File attachments work the same way. Your priority might be 'finalize Q4 budget proposal' — attach the spreadsheets, notes from stakeholder meetings, and approval templates you need. Everything related to that one priority stays together, but the task itself remains simple and focused.
Reminders help with time-blocking your six tasks throughout the day. Set a reminder for 9 AM to start your first priority, another at 11 AM to begin the second. Each reminder deep-links back to the specific task, keeping you focused on what matters most.
$9.99/month per person (currently $4.99/month per person for first 500 charter members with code CHARTER50)
TaskLoco Premium is regularly $9.99/month per person. Right now, charter members can lock in 50% off the regular price — forever. That means $4.99/month per person today. And if our price ever goes up, you still pay half. Always.
Code CHARTER50 auto-applies at checkout. First 500 spots only — once they're gone, this offer is gone permanently. Act fast while spots last.
Every Premium subscription includes unlimited notes, 10GB file storage, reminders, calendar, and team sharing. Each team member requires a separate subscription. 7-day free trial — no charge until day 8. Cancel anytime.
Free Options: TaskLoco
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- Web app + Chrome extension
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ivy Lee Method?
The Ivy Lee Method is a productivity system created in 1918. Each day, write down six most important tasks, prioritize them, and work on them one at a time until complete. It works because it forces focus and eliminates decision fatigue about what to work on next.
How does TaskLoco support the Ivy Lee Method?
TaskLoco's simple sticky notes are perfect for the six-task system. Create one note per priority, arrange them in order of importance, and work through them sequentially. The clean interface avoids complexity that distracts from your core priorities.
Can I use TaskLoco for team collaboration with Ivy Lee Method?
Yes, but thoughtfully. Share specific priority notes with colleagues when needed for communication, but maintain your personal focus on six daily tasks. The method works best when each person manages their own priorities.
Should I use reminders for my six daily priorities?
TaskLoco's reminders are excellent for time-blocking your priorities throughout the day. Set reminders for when you plan to work on each task — they deep-link back to the specific note, keeping you focused on what matters most.
How much does TaskLoco cost for the Ivy Lee Method?
$9.99/month per person (currently $4.99/month per person for first 500 charter members with code CHARTER50)
What if I need to add tasks beyond my six priorities?
That defeats the purpose. The Ivy Lee Method's power comes from limiting yourself to six tasks maximum. If something new comes up, either replace one of your existing priorities or save it for tomorrow's list. The constraint forces better decision-making.
Can I track progress on my daily priorities over time?
TaskLoco shows your completed notes, but the Ivy Lee Method focuses on daily execution, not long-term tracking. The value comes from consistent daily prioritization and completion, not analyzing productivity metrics over time.
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