We all know the new year usually means the ubiquitous ‘new year resolutions’ promise; a new diet, a dry January (shudder), more exercise, but rarely do they stick. The first week sees us drinking fruit smoothies for breakfast, walking or cycling to work, and the first weekend abstaining from drink, but come February, it’s back to our usual routine; breakfast on the go, and driving to work – but this frog one certainly works.
Now before you start looking up frogs on your Ocado shopping list, I’m not actually talking about eating real frogs. Let me explain.
Mark Twain once said, “Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.”
…and is the basis for this productivity tool. Do something difficult, first thing in the morning, and then the rest of the day will be easier.
Brian Tracy’s book ‘Eat that Frog’ – explores this concept in much more detail, but I’m sharing the idea that getting 3 difficult or hard things done first thing, will set you up for a more productive day. Paying that bill; making that appointment; dealing with a difficult client are all things that we put on our ‘to do list’ but sometimes they get shunted to the bottom, as they are seen as ‘difficult’ or hard tasks. They then spill over to the next day, and the next, and by the end of the week, they are still there…and they just don’t get done. A bit like the ‘dry clean only’ sweater that is always in the bottom of the laundry basket.
Therefore, instead of shying away from these tackle them first. (A bit like eating 3 frogs before you first coffee.) It’s proved that self-control and focus ‘run out’ after time, so when you get into the office, or sit at your desk, getting three ‘difficult’ tasks done, can boost your sense of achievement and purpose and therefore the rest of the day will seem effortless. Reward yourself if it helps, but get into that habit of tackling the hard things first, and see how it affects your productivity.
I’m eating frogs right left and centre… and it’s making a huge difference to my productivity. I hope it does for you too.
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Having trouble getting your book project off the ground? Perhaps it feels like a pond full of fogs…! Don’t despair, help is here. I can help you get those frogs eaten in no time. I’ve worked with many ‘want to be authors’ and helped them get their project moving forwards. Just get in touch; email alexa@thebookrefinery.com and let’s see how I can help. It’s easy when you have the right help.
