You have so many things to accomplish on any given day that knowing where to start can be difficult.
We’ve all got methods of dealing with this—some of us make a list and attack everything sequentially. Some of us put off doing the most challenging things as long as possible. And some of us give in to “analysis paralysis” and get nothing done at all. “Eating the frog” can be a great solution for people who struggle to prioritize action.
What it means to “eat the frog”
Brian Tracy is attributed to coming up with the concept “eat the frog” in his book 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating, but the actual phrase most likely comes from Mark Twain, the famous American author and humorist. In his autobiography, Mark Twain says, "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."
In short, “eating the frog” means completing your most challenging task first. Why frogs? Because, well, no one wants to eat a frog.
Of course, identifying your “frog” isn’t as easy as it may seem, so “eating the frog” includes prioritizing your tasks before starting.
How does the "eat the frog" strategy work?
The "eat the frog" strategy works by tackling your most challenging and important tasks early in the day before you get caught up in distractions and less critical activities. The strategy is based on the idea that if you start your day by "eating the frog" (i.e., completing the most challenging task), everything else that follows will seem easier by comparison.
To "eat the frog":
- Make a list of all your tasks.
- Identify the task on your to-do list that you've been avoiding or that requires the most effort and attention. This is your "frog."
- If the task seems overwhelming, break it down into smaller, manageable steps. This makes it easier to make progress and prevents the task from feeling insurmountable.
- Repeat the process to find your next “frog.”
- Understand that you won’t get everything done—that’s normal. But as long as you’ve completed your “frogs,” you will have completed the most impactful things.
Advantages of “eating the frog”
The "eat the frog" strategy offers several advantages for improving productivity and time management.
It combats procrastination
Addressing the most challenging or undesirable task first thing in the morning makes you less likely to procrastinate. This can help you overcome the tendency to delay tasks. In short, it helps you actually get things done.
It clears mental space
Finishing a difficult task frees up mental space and reduces the burden of having it hang over you. This can improve focus and mental clarity for the rest of your tasks.
It leads to higher productivity
When you tackle the most demanding task first, you're likely to be at your freshest and most energetic. This can lead to higher quality work and more efficient completion of tasks throughout the day. But if you don’t “eat that frog,” you save the most challenging task for a time when you have the least mental energy. And that sets you up for failure.
It helps you prioritize
The strategy encourages you to evaluate your tasks and prioritize them based on importance and urgency. This can prevent you from getting caught up in less significant tasks and ensure you spend time on what truly matters.
If you need help prioritizing, try our free MoSCoW prioritization or Eisenhower matrix templates.
It helps you manage your time
Addressing the most time-consuming tasks early makes you more likely to allocate sufficient time for them. This prevents running out of time later in the day and rushing through important tasks.
It minimizes decision fatigue
Making decisions about which tasks to tackle can be mentally taxing. So, starting with the most crucial task removes the need to make those decisions and allows you to dive into your work more quickly. This is the way to avoid the dreaded “analysis paralysis.”
It helps you accomplish more
Completing a challenging task early gives you a sense of accomplishment. As you continue this practice, you'll accumulate a series of accomplishments that can further motivate and inspire you.
Tips to “eat that frog”
Here are some of our best tips to successfully “eat that frog.”
- Plan ahead: Decide when to start working on the task. Ideally, choose a time early in the day when your energy and focus peak.
- Eliminate distractions: Minimize distractions during your designated working time. Put away your phone, close unnecessary tabs on your computer, and create a focused work environment. If it helps, light some calming candles or play productive music.
- Break it down: If the task seems overwhelming, break it down into smaller, manageable steps. This can make the task less daunting and help you progress.
- Prioritize and commit: Mentally commit to working on the task without interruptions or deviations. Remind yourself of the reasons why completing this task is important.
- Use time management techniques: Consider using techniques like the Pomodoro technique, where you work for a set period (e.g., 25 minutes) and then take a short break. This can help you maintain focus and avoid burnout.
- Reward yourself: After completing the task, reward yourself with something you enjoy—a cup of coffee, a short walk, or a few minutes of relaxation. You can even try bribing yourself initially (“If I complete ___, I get to read a book for 15 minutes).
- Repeat daily: Make the "eat the frog" strategy a daily habit. Each day, identify the most challenging task and commit to tackling it in the morning.
- Evaluate and adjust: Review how this strategy works for you. Adjust your approach based on your experiences. You might find that certain tasks need to be broken down further or that specific time slots work better for you (maybe you feel a surge of energy toward the evening instead of first thing in the morning).
Consistency is the key to successfully implementing the "eat the frog" strategy. Over time, this practice can help you develop better time management skills, increase your productivity, and reduce the stress associated with procrastination.
In a world where distractions and procrastination often hinder our progress, the "eat the frog" strategy is a powerful antidote. This approach to time management encourages us to confront our most challenging tasks head-on, clearing the path for greater productivity and accomplishment. By prioritizing “frogs”—those daunting yet crucial tasks—we can transform our daily routines while gaining control, accomplishment, and momentum.
