Last week, we offered our top 20 productivity tips for people with ADHD. There are a variety of ways to help improve your focus and utilize your time effectively. One such technique is uniquely called, “Eat the Frog”. While it might sound unusual, it is a helpful tool to consider helping improve your productivity. So, let’s jump in and find out more about what this term entails.
What is Eat the Frog?
Eat the Frog is most attributed to Mark Twain, who wrote the quote: “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 relation to productivity, this method is used to identify the task you are most likely to avoid doing (for whatever reason) and complete it first. This can help mitigate procrastination, helps important tasks to be completed, boosts self-confidence, sense of accomplishment, and can help build momentum for the rest of your to-do list.
Eat the Frog is an excellent tool for individuals who:
- Regularly procrastinate
- Spend more time on smaller tasks, avoiding larger and important ones
- Struggle with productivity
- Are overwhelmed with what to do first or tackling their lists of tasks
Tips to Implement Eat the Frog
It’s hard to wrap your mind around the thought that completing one singular task can lead to a bigger impact. However, often completing the largest, or most challenging task first, can help build momentum. Here are some tips to utilize this technique in your day-to-day life:
Identify Your Frog
The first step is to identify your frog. This can be achieved by acknowledging your most challenging or time-consuming task of the day will be. Of course, it’s important to be flexible as we all know that schedules can change, and other things might arise that might take you off course. However, if you can prioritize your frog based on urgency and importance, you are well on your way to successfully eating the frog.
Do It First Thing in the Morning
Next, you want to tackle your frog first thing. The morning is when you are likely to have the most energy, and your motivation is high. It’s best to do your best to avoid any unnecessary distractions. Before you do anything else for the day, remember your frog and stay on task. It is also a good idea to time block your calendar (next week’s blog will offer more on this strategy!).
Break It Down
Dividing a large, intimidating task into smaller, achievable steps can be incredibly helpful. We have mentioned Goblin Tools before, and we can’t help but mention it again. Simply put your task into “Magic ToDo” and it will break it down for you. This will help you stay on task, allowing you to see each step necessary for completion.
Repeat Daily
Eating the Frog is most successful when it becomes a habit. So, commit to this technique daily to help consistently boost your productivity. Be sure to check in with yourself and consider what worked, and what didn’t, and adjust as you need.
Eating the Frog is just one way to help boost your productivity. Like anything, you need to find what works best for you, and your situation. Experiment with various techniques, and you’ll find what enhances your efficiency.
