Eat the Frog: Timeless Wisdom for Modern Productivity
My Favorite Lil' Habit for Building Confidence, Mental Endurance, and Follow-Through
"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
Although Mark Twain isn’t the first person I think of when I need a productivity strategy, “Eat the Frog” remains the GOAT.
Eat the Frog is about tackling your most challenging task first thing in the day.
Nobody wants to eat the frog. But as card-carrying grown-ups with our big-kid pants on, we know doing the hard stuff is part of the package that comes with responsibilities, goals, and the desire to make meaningful progress in our lives and careers. Those uncomfortable tasks we're tempted to put off are often the very ones that move the needle.
And here's the icing: each time you follow through, you're not just completing a task, you're building self-trust, boosting your confidence, and proving to yourself that you've got what it takes to handle whatever challenges come your way. That's the true power of eating the frog: it's not just about productivity, it's about becoming the kind of person who consistently does what needs to be done, no matter how unappetizing it might seem.
When you have a consistent approach to tackling monster tasks, you build a habit of seeking out the hard stuff you used to avoid. Imagine how that impacts your personal and professional results!
WHY MORNING?
Peak mental energy: Most people experience their highest levels of mental focus and energy early in the day.
Momentum creation: Conquering your "frog" early builds momentum and a sense of accomplishment for the rest of your day.
Task completion: Addressing your most important task first ensures it gets done before other demands and distractions arise.
Circadian alignment: This approach capitalizes on most people’s natural productivity cycle.
Stress reduction: Completing your most daunting task early frees you from the mental burden of having it loom over you all day.
Increased productivity: By tackling the big tasks early, you set yourself up for increased overall productivity and satisfaction throughout the day.
Facing our most challenging task first thing in the morning is a guaranteed meet & greet with your Resistance, which is another reason why I love this habit. Each day you sit down to "eat your frog," you're training yourself to move through discomfort and expanding your comfort zone.
🌀 Download the free Lil’ Habit Kickstart Workbook to learn how to Meet Your Resistance.
MAKE IT LIL’
All frogs are not created equal
The tasks I avoid are not always big and complicated. They just feel that way. So I start my day asking myself, “What am I avoiding? What’s the last thing I want to do today that needs to get done?” If it’s writing this article, I use the Pomodoro Technique and set a timer for 20 minutes, and 20 uninterrupted minutes of writing is today’s “frog.” If it’s making my next dental appointment, I dial my dentist’s office and schedule it…frog eaten.
Maybe your first “frog” is just opening that daunting project file or making that phone call you've been avoiding for weeks. Remember, in the world of Lil’ Habit, consistency trumps intensity and it’s far more important that you follow through on something than what that something is.
So tomorrow, after your alarm goes off, take a deep breath, square your shoulders, look that "frog" right in its adorable buggy eyes, and take a bite. Who knows? You might discover it tastes like growth and self-respect.
tl;dr: "Eat the Frog" means tackling your most challenging task first thing in the morning. It builds momentum, reduces stress, and boosts productivity. Start small, be consistent, and watch your comfort zone expand as you become someone who consistently does what needs to be done.
WATCH: Beginner’s Guide to Eat the Frog Method
If this lil’ habit intrigues you, give it some oomph by discussing it with a friend.
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Disclaimer: My Substack posts are my personal reflections and should not be taken as clinical guidance or treatment. Consult qualified experts regarding your specific health needs.