• Eat That Frog!

Summary of Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy

Imagine waking up each day knowing exactly what you need to do—and having the confidence to tackle your most important and challenging task first. No more procrastinating, no more endless to-do lists, no more wasting time on things that don’t matter. That’s what Brian Tracy promises in Eat That Frog!—a practical guide for time management, beating procrastination, and getting the most important things done.

The core idea is simple and powerful: Start your day by eating your frog—your biggest, hardest task. The one you dread. Once you do that, the rest of the day feels easier and more productive. The more you tackle tough tasks first, the stronger your confidence grows, your performance improves, and your results soar.

Here are 21 practical ways to help you eat that frog and tackle your biggest tasks with confidence and focus:

21 Practical Ways to Beat Procrastination and Get Things Done

1.      Set the Table:
Get crystal clear on what you want. Write down your goals, set deadlines, break tasks into steps, and create a simple action plan. Never start your day without knowing your biggest and most important task.

2.      Plan Your Day in Advance:
Spend 10 minutes every evening planning the next day’s tasks. This small step saves hours of wasted time and helps you wake up ready to go.

3.      Apply the 80/20 Rule:
Remember: 20% of your tasks produce 80% of your results. Focus on those few critical tasks first—your "frogs."

4.      Think About the Consequences:
Ask yourself: What will happen if I don’t do this? And what will happen if I do? This question helps you choose the tasks that make the biggest difference.

5.      Practice Creative Procrastination:
You can’t do everything—so deliberately choose what to delay or ignore. Say no to low-value tasks and focus on what truly matters.

6.      Use the ABCDE Method:
Sort your tasks:

·       A: Must do—biggest priority.

·       B: Should do—but not urgent.

·       C: Nice to do—but not important.

·       D: Delegate to others.

·       E: Eliminate entirely.
Always start with A tasks, and never let B or C tasks distract you.

7.      Focus on Key Result Areas:
Identify the core areas that drive your success—like sales, customer service, or project delivery—and work on them every day.

8.      Apply the Law of Three:
There are always three tasks that make up 90% of your value at work. Find them, and do those first.

9.      Prepare Thoroughly Before You Begin:
Organize your workspace, gather your tools, clear the clutter, and get everything ready before you start. This saves time and boosts focus.

10.   Take It One Step at a Time:
Break big tasks into small, bite-sized steps. Like crossing a desert one barrel at a time, focus on the next step in front of you.

11.   Upgrade Your Key Skills:
The more competent you are, the less you’ll procrastinate. Read, attend seminars, listen to audiobooks—keep learning to stay sharp.

12.   Leverage Your Talents:
Find what you’re naturally good at and passionate about—then focus on becoming the best at it. Your talents are your greatest assets.

13.   Identify Your Major Constraints:
What’s holding you back? A lack of skill? A limiting belief? Find the bottleneck, and work on removing it.

14.   Put Pressure on Yourself:
Challenge yourself. Set tight deadlines, even if no one else does. Imagine you have to finish everything today—then get moving.

15.   Maximize Your Personal Energy:
Take care of your body and mind: sleep well, exercise, eat healthy, and rest when needed. High energy = high productivity.

16.   Motivate Yourself Into Action:
Talk to yourself in a positive way. Say: "I can do it. I deserve success." Repeat it with confidence until you believe it.

17.   Avoid the Technology Trap:
Turn off notifications, check emails only at set times, and don’t let your phone control your day. Stay focused on real work.

18.   Slice the Big Task Into Smaller Pieces:
When a project feels overwhelming, break it down into smaller chunks. Start small, and keep going step by step.

19.   Create Large Time Blocks:
Block off 60–90 minute sessions of deep, uninterrupted work. You’ll be amazed how much you can accomplish.

20.   Develop a Sense of Urgency:
Don’t wait for the "perfect" moment—it will never come. Get started now. Act quickly, move fast, and build momentum.

21.   Finish Every Task:
Don’t leave tasks half-done. Finish what you start—this builds self-discipline, confidence, and a habit of getting things done.

Conclusion:

Eat That Frog! isn’t just a collection of tips—it’s a system for life. Start your day with the toughest, most important task. Face challenges head-on. Build focus. And make finishing a daily habit. Success isn’t an accident—it’s a choice you make every day.

So, make your list, find your biggest frog, and eat it first thing today... because every day is a new opportunity for great achievements.

Source: Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy