'Eat the frog': Reduce stress, manage time and improve focus with this productivity technique

If the task seems overwhelming, break it down into smaller, more manageable steps. (Image: Canva)

The phrase "eat the frog" is a popular productivity technique that encourages you to tackle your most challenging or unpleasant task first thing in the morning. This strategy, popularised by author Brian Tracy, is based on the idea that once you've completed your most difficult task, the rest of your day will feel much easier.

The metaphor of "eating the frog" is a powerful one. Frogs are often seen as slimy, unpleasant creatures. The act of eating one is not something most people would enjoy. But once you've overcome the initial disgust, you've accomplished something that many others would avoid.

Similarly, the most challenging tasks in our lives can be unpleasant or even daunting. We may procrastinate on them, avoiding them for as long as possible. But once we finally tackle them, we often find that they were not as difficult as we felt.

"Eating the frog" first thing in the morning, we're setting ourselves up for success for the rest of the day. When we complete our most difficult task, we feel a sense of accomplishment and momentum that can carry us through the rest of our day. We're also less likely to procrastinate on other tasks, as we've already tackled the most challenging one.

Here's why "eating the frog" can be so effective:

• Momentum: Completing a challenging task early in the day can give you a sense of accomplishment that carries you through the rest of your day.
• Reduced stress: Procrastinating on difficult tasks can lead to stress. By tackling them head-on, you can alleviate these feelings of anxiety.
• Focus: When you start your day with a big task, you're more likely to stay on point and avoid distractions.
• Improved time management: By prioritising your most important tasks, you're using your time effectively and avoiding wasting time on less important activities.

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If the task seems overwhelming, break it down into smaller, more manageable steps. This can help you feel less overwhelmed and make progress more manageable. For example, if you need to write a long report, you could break it down into smaller tasks such as researching the topic, outlining the report, writing the introduction, and so on.

Remember, the goal is to get started and make progress, even if it's just a small step. The key is to avoid procrastinating and delaying the task. Once you start, you'll often find that the task is not as difficult as you thought it would be.

By consistently eating your frogs, you'll develop a stronger sense of discipline and improve your productivity. You'll also find that you're less stressed and more satisfied with your accomplishments.