“Eat a live frog every morning, and nothing worse can happen to you the rest of the day.” –Mark Twain

Now more than ever, it’s critical to accomplish more with less.  Less money, less time, less help…

There is never enough time for everything, but there is always enough time to do the most important things. What are they?

In Eat That Frog!, Brian Tracy says that your “frog” should be the most difficult item on your things to do list, the one where you’re most likely to procrastinate; because, if you eat that first, it’ll give you energy and momentum for the rest of the day.  But, if you don’t…and let him sit there on the plate and stare at you while you do a hundred unimportant things, it can drain your energy and you won’t even know it.

To be more productive, try this.  Identify that one task that you need to do which will make a difference and take steps to do it right away with urgency.  This will provide you with the fuel and motivation to do the less painful items.

What Not To Do First
Avoid doing your easiest task or most favorite task first.  We’ve all had those mornings where we start with great intentions of making those phone calls, writing that letter, or updating the database–but then we first check our email or browse the headlines of your favorite news source.  Two hours later, your enthusiasm is gone, along with valuable time you could have used getting stuff done.  Somehow, this sets the tone for the rest of the day.

What To Do Instead
Plan every day in advance.  Think on paper.  Every minute spent in planning can save 5-10 minutes in execution.

Step 1  Create a list of your tasks for the day.  Start each day with a clean plate.  Focus on key result areas.  Identify and determine the results that you absolutely, positively must have.  Put each task into one of four categories:

  1. Things you don’t want to do, but really need to do.
  2. Things you want to do and really need to do.
  3. Things you want to do, but really don’t need to do.
  4. Things you don’t want to do, and really don’t need to do.

 Step 2  Narrow your list to ten items or less.  You should not reasonably expect to do more–though if you find yourself having completed all ten tasks, you can simply add more. 

 Step 3  Out of those ten items, pick the three tasks that once accomplished will move you closer to your goals.  Consider the consequences.  Most important tasks and priorities are those with most serious consequences. Focus on them. Put a star beside them.  These are your most important tasks.

Step 4  Out of those three items, pick the worst one.  Circle it.  Make that your frog.  Do that task first. 

 Step 5  Out of your list of ten, pick your favorite or easiest item. Whatever you do, don’t do that task first.  In fact, don’t do that task until you get all three of your most important tasks done.  Make doing that task your reward.

 So, here’s your assignment: for the next 30 days take a look at your list, circle the frog, and eat that first.  I’d like to know more about your frog-eating experience. 

Contact me at sandy@hornerachievesmore.com or download your own Daily Planning Guide at http://www.hornerachievesmore.com/tools.html.