Eat the Frog: Why You Should Tackle Your Hardest Task First

What’s the Eat the Frog productivity method all about? In this article, we’ll explore how eating the frog can help set yourself up for success!

In the seemingly unending hunt for methods of being more productive, freelancers will often grapple with the challenge of prioritizing tasks. When you have a myriad of responsibilities to deal with, knowing which one to tackle first can cause plenty of headaches.

One approach gaining traction with your work is the concept of eating the frog, or tackling your hardest task first thing in the morning.

This method, which has its origins in Mark Twain's famous quote: Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day, advocates for addressing the most daunting task on your to-do list before anything else.

Whilst this may sound like a scary approach to work, let's explore why this strategy can supercharge your productivity and set the tone for a successful day.

Harnessing Morning Willpower

The morning, for many people, is the most productive time of the day. If you have typical sleep and waking hours, the morning is where you’ll have the most energy, and more importantly, the most willpower to tackle the trickiest tasks.

Maximizing Peak Willpower Levels

Research suggests that willpower is a finite resource that depletes as the day progresses. In the morning, when cognitive resources are at their peak, tackling challenging tasks becomes more manageable. By prioritizing your hardest task early, you capitalize on your highest levels of willpower, setting yourself up for success.

We tend to have better self-control and greater willpower just after waking up, a fact that is supported by data. Researchers at the University of Nottingham and the National Institute of Education in Singapore reviewed 83 different studies on self-control and discovered humans have a finite amount of self-control.

The data shows that willpower peaked in the morning, right after waking up, with it steadily decreasing throughout the day. This is a clear indicator that difficult tasks on your to-do list should be your first priority of the day.

BONUS: If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the number of projects you have going on, the Kanban method could be just what you need!

Overcoming Procrastination and Decision Fatigue

Morning hours offer a window of opportunity to beat procrastination and decision fatigue. Addressing the most daunting task first eliminates the temptation to procrastinate or delay, ensuring that crucial decisions are made with clarity and focus.

If you’re anything like me, when you have a daunting task on your to-do list, you’re more likely to procrastinate than tackle it. The issue here is that procrastination, whilst sometimes a nice break, can quickly lead to detrimental effects on your work and progression.

By altering your routine to always tackle the day’s most challenging task first – or eating the frog every day – you can curb your procrastination before it becomes a problem.

Cultivating a Sense of Achievement and Setting a Positive Tone for the Day

Conquering your hardest task first thing in the morning cultivates a sense of achievement and momentum that propels you forward. This early win boosts confidence and motivation, creating a positive ripple effect throughout the day.

To add to this feeling of achievement, write your daily tasks down in a physical notebook. Every time you complete a task, physically cross it off the list. Completing individual tasks releases dopamine – a hormone responsible for mood regulation, primarily happiness – which can be hugely important for sustaining your willpower throughout the day.

Additionally, starting your day by eating the frog sets a positive tone and mindset for the remainder of your tasks. By tackling the most challenging task head-on, you demonstrate resilience and determination to yourself. This lays the foundation for a productive and successful day ahead.

Tailoring to Individual Peak Performance: Recognizing Personal Peak Productivity Times

Eating the frog doesn’t necessarily have to happen in the morning. The reality is that we’re human, and as such, we’re all different. We all have different workflows, different levels of productivity, and (vital for eating the frog) different peak productivity times. It’s for this reason that tailoring this productivity method to your workflow is vital!

While the morning may be optimal for some, it's essential to recognize that peak productivity times vary among individuals. For some freelancers, peak performance may occur later in the day or even during unconventional hours. The key is to identify your peak productivity window and schedule your most challenging tasks accordingly.

If you don’t know your peak productivity hours, that’s fine! But it is something you should look to figure out. The good news is that it’s pretty simple (but will take a little self-observation):

• Track Your Energy Levels: Pay attention to periods of high and low energy throughout the day.

• Observe Cognitive Performance: Note when you feel most mentally sharp and focused.

• Experiment with Different Times: Try working during various parts of the day to see when you feel most productive.

• Monitor Mood and Motivation: Take note of when you feel most motivated and engaged with your work.

• Evaluate Task Performance: Assess how efficiently you complete tasks at different times of the day.

• Consider Personal Preferences: Factor in your natural sleep patterns and lifestyle preferences when identifying peak productivity times.

I recommend keeping a notebook (or your phone’s notes app) handy to record these things, as the data will be incredibly helpful in building out a routine that works for you!

How Can You Eat the Frog Every Day?

Embracing the Eat the Frog approach into your daily workflow requires planning and commitment to prioritizing your most challenging tasks. Here are some simple strategies to incorporate this productivity method into your freelancing workflow:

• Prioritize Tasks Effectively: Begin each day by identifying your hardest task and placing it at the top of your priority list.

• Create a Morning Routine: Establish a morning routine that primes your mind and body for focused work, setting the stage for tackling difficult tasks.

• Break Tasks into Manageable Steps: If your hardest task feels overwhelming, break it down into smaller, actionable steps to make it more approachable.

• Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate each milestone as you progress through your tasks, reinforcing a positive mindset and motivation.

Additionally, I’d highly recommend you read Brian Tracy’s book Eat That Frog: Get More of the Important Things Done Today. It dives into great detail about how you can truly ingrain this productivity method into your working routine.

Conclusion

Working in the world of freelancing (or any industry with deadlines and deliverables), you know that being productive and efficient is vital. By adopting strategies like eating the frog, you can put yourself in with the best chance of being on top of your game.

By prioritizing your most challenging task first thing in the morning – or whenever your personal peak productivity occurs – you harness the power of peak willpower, overcome procrastination, and set the stage for a day filled with achievement and success!

Want to arm yourself with even more killer productivity methods? If so, the Pomodoro Technique is a great tool to pair with eating the frog! Check out a full guide to the Pomodoro Technique here!

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