Check out "Eat that frog" by Brian Tracy book summary

As a writer who has spent more than a few mornings with coffee in hand, endlessly scrolling through social media, I know the siren call of procrastination all too well. Picture this: you’re sipping your favorite brew, promising yourself you’ll start that big task once you’ve caught up on every tweet and post. But here’s the catch: some tasks are like a stubborn frog that refuses to jump off your to-do list. Believe me, I have suffered a great deal over this.

But fortunately, one day, I found a solution. Well, I hope so.

We were sitting with a friend in a cafe. She brought up “Eat that frog” and laid it on the table. Although not a dish, but a book by Brian Tracy, I decided to get a taste of it. After testing the method for a month, here I am, sharing the “Eat that frog” summary from my perspective.

So, is “Eating that frog” the answer to our procrastination woes? Let’s find out.

What’s the scoop on eating frogs?

The concept is refreshingly straightforward: start your day by tackling the most daunting task, the one you’ve been neatly avoiding. Brian Tracy, the expert in time management, suggests that by confronting this significant task from the get-go, you set a productive tone for the entire day. The idea is that everything else will seem like a walk in Central Park on a sunny day once this big task is out of the way.

Why it works

Let’s break it down: when you face the “frog” right away, you remove the shadow of dread that can hang over your head all day. Your brain is freed from the anxiety loop, allowing you to focus on other tasks. Handle it when your willpower is strongest in the morning, and you’ll find the rest of your tasks become manageable.

Identifying your “frog”

So, what exactly is your “frog?” Basically, it’s that task you know is essential but keep pushing aside.

To identify your “frog,” start by reflecting on the task you’ve been avoiding the longest. Here are some specific steps to help you pinpoint it:

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List your tasks

Use an app like 2Do to write down everything you need to do, big or small. The app lets you sort tasks by priority, tags, or due dates. Or create entire projects with subtasks and progress tracking. You can keep it all as simple or as sophisticated as you want. Don’t hold back! Include everything that comes to mind.

2do-app-interface

Look for patterns

Go through your list and find the tasks that make you feel anxious or overwhelmed. This might be the task that you keep pushing to the bottom of your list all the time.

Ask questions

For each task, ask yourself: “Which of these tasks makes me feel the most stressed?” and “What is the task that, if completed, would give me the most relief?”

Different people have different “frogs.” For example, for a writer, it could be finishing that big article with a tight deadline. For a mom dealing with kids, it might be organizing the playroom or planning a family outing. A student might find that studying for a challenging exam is their frog, something they keep avoiding. For someone in a corporate job, it could be preparing that important presentation that’s coming up.

How to put the “Eating The Frog” method to work

Let me share the steps I took when I started experimenting with the method:

I spotted my ugly “frog” the night before

Before I drift off to sleep, I identified a task that’s both significant and a bit daunting. To make it not slip from me in the morning, I made sure it’s the first thing I see when I start my day. You can write it down and place it prominently on your desk or stick it to your fridge.

I leaped into action first thing

Believe it or not, but I ignored my phone in the morning. I skipped all those tempting notifications and dove directly into my task. My tip here: Don’t get sidetracked by the lure of another coffee. Just eat your frog dry!

I divided the “frog” because it seemed too overwhelming

At first, my “frog” seemed immense, so I split it into smaller parts. I used MindNode to visually map out my tasks and break them down into more manageable pieces.

mindnode-app-interface

I focused until it’s all done

I always used a timer and shut out distractions. With Be Focused, I blocked distractions and maintained concentration. With its Pomodoro Technique, the app helped me dedicate focused periods to tackling my “frogs” without interruptions.

be-focused-app

I celebrated my victory (the best part!)

I’m the type of person who always allows themself a reward. Whether it’s indulging in a good book, having a delightful snack, or a brief tickle of social media time, take a moment to enjoy the triumph.

frog-eating-morning-routine

Final thoughts on “Eat that frog” by Brian Tracey

Thinking back on my month of applying the “Eat that frog” method, I have to admit it was a bit challenging at first. Breaking old habits never comes easy, and trying to tackle that big, daunting task first thing in the morning felt intimidating. But as the weeks went by, I started to notice a real difference.

I found that getting my frog out of the way truly set a positive tone for the rest of my day. I not only felt more accomplished, but I was also able to dive into other tasks with greater energy. However, I can see how this method might not work for everyone. Some might struggle with the pressure of facing their biggest task right away, and that’s okay.

If you’re finding it tough to get started, I recommend checking out the apps I used along the way. MindNode helped me organize my thoughts visually, while Be Focused blocked distractions, and 2Do kept my tasks in check. All these apps are available on Setapp under one subscription, which includes 250+ tools for almost any task you can imagine. You can try all of them for free for 7 days.

Overall, while “eating the frog” might take some getting used to, it’s worth the effort. So why not give it a shot? You might find yourself enjoying your work more than you ever thought possible!

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