Eat the Frog!

“If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning. And if it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the biggest one first.” ~ Mark Twain

If you’re like me, your To Do List is long and never-ending. You have plenty to do and lots to do each day. Some are huge and daunting, while others are quick, easy, and maybe even fun. But what about those annoying, important, and daunting things?

No one wants to do the things that don’t nourish their soul. The things that bring you joy. I get it. Everyone is seeking happiness and simplicity. 

Eat the Frog

This is where “eat the frog” enters the picture. This concept was inspired by the famous Mark Twain quote. No worries. This method has nothing to do with eating real frogs (no other animals are in jeopardy either). It does have to do with accomplishing the things our minds and maybe even our bodies want to avoid. 

Eat the frog is a great tool used by people who struggle with procrastination. Like me. Procrastination does not equate to laziness. It’s mental avoidance of some task we deem unpleasant.

Avoiding tasks like writing a paper (or blog post), raking the leaves, doing the laundry, or work-related reports because they don’t bring us enjoyment. Your brain doesn’t want to do these tasks because it knows they won’t spike dopamine levels – the reward and happiness hormone. When you procrastinate, you’re avoiding unpleasant emotions such as stress, boredom, or fear of being perceived as incompetent.

Train Your Brain

So how can you beat your brain at its own game? Eat the frog! 

The best time to do this is first thing in the morning. While you’re doing your morning routine, or when you sit down at your desk, pick one task from your To Do list and tackle that one first. The key is to choose the biggest and baddest task – the most important one that you absolutely don’t want to do – and do that task first. 

Immediately.

Don’t put it off. Take a sip of water, flex your fingers, gather your tools, and do it. 

You may think this is silly, but it works. During your day, you’ll be pulled in many directions. boss needs this. Your kids need that. Your partner asks you a question or for your opinion. Your mind is running all over the place. 

When you start your day, none of these things have had a chance to take hold. At least by doing the one task you’ve been avoiding at the top of your day, the stress and frustration of having to deal with that task later dissipates.

Takeaway

Eat the frog is a method that helps free up time and increases productivity. Take a minute to try it for yourself. Tomorrow we’ll explore this method more. You’ll get more insight, tips, and tricks that will help you eat your own frogs. 

Affirmations

I am master of my own day.
I will eat my frogs one at a time.
I am a productivity master.

Photo by Matthew Kosloski on Unsplash