THE IVY LEE METHOD Step 1: Write down six of the most important things you’d like to get done that day. Step 2: Order that list—for some it works best to do the smaller tasks first. For others, getting the big stuff out of the way first is more effective. Step 3: Work through the list. Step 4: Strike through the tasks you’ve completed. Everyone loves the dopamine that comes with crossing off a to-do list, right? Step 5: Repeat.