The Ivy Lee Method: My Go-To Life Hack

BY LOUANN BERGLUND HAAF, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Several years ago, when I was attempting to prioritize my endless to-do list, I stumbled on the Ivy Lee Method—now one of my most valuable rules in work and life. Back in 1918, Charles M. Schwab, president of Bethlehem Steel Corporation, hired Lee, a productivity consultant, to improve company efficiency. As the story goes, Lee offered his method to Schwab for free, and after three months, Schwab was so pleased with the results, he paid Lee $25,000—nearly $400,000 in today’s dollars.

Hands down, this method is my go-to life hack. It helps me plan and prepare for tomorrow, lessening decision fatigue so I have enough energy to finish my most important tasks. It even helps my kids prioritize their own tasks, everything from playing zoo to putting their jammies in the laundry...brilliant!

Serves

Thousand Island Dressing

½ cup mayonnaise

¼ cup ketchup

¼ cup chopped garlic dill pickles, plus 1 tablespoon pickle juice

2 tablespoons minced onion or shallot

1 clove garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

½ teaspoon kosher salt

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Sandwiches

8 slices pumpernickel or rye bread

2 pounds thinly sliced corned beef

2 cups sauerkraut, drained

8 slices Swiss cheese

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened, plus enough for the pan

4 garlic dill pickle spears