“Eat The Frog”

Improve productivity and reduce procrastination.

The “Eat The Frog” technique focuses on the most important task first thing in the morning.

“Eat The Frog” (ETF) boosts productivity:

Reduce procrastination. Identify the most difficult tasks early to avoid putting them off. Overcoming procrastination is a primary goal.

Improve focus. Push back against distractions. Prioritize important tasks. Develop a better work habit.

Set a positive agenda. Instead of starting the day reacting to emails and other people’s requests, put your agenda first.

Better use of peak hours. Recognize that willpower is higher in the morning. Use your best hours for the most mentally challenging work.

Simple and flexible. Incorporate this method into your routine, regardless of your job.

Reduce stress. Complete the most difficult tasks early then focus on other activities. With the daunting task done early, the rest of the day will feel more relaxed.

Create momentum. Achieve a win first thing in the morning. That will positively impact your entire workday.

To implement the ETF technique:

Identify your “frog.” Determine the most challenging task on your to-do list. This is a task you will procrastinate on because it seems too difficult.

“Eat” your frog. Do it first thing in the morning without delay.

Eliminate distractions. Focus solely on your “frog” until it’s completed.

Repeat daily. Make this technique a habit.

Creative Writers Can ‘Eat the Frog’

Creative writing is a challenging occupation. Writers face distractions, procrastination, and the pressure of deadlines.

The ETF productivity technique, popularized by Brian Tracy, helps writers tackle difficult tasks first. This method encourages you to do the hardest thing on your to-do list early in the day. This frees up mental energy for the rest of your work.

The ETF technique is simple: identify the task you’re likely to avoid (your “frog”) and complete it first thing in the morning. Draft a challenging chapter, revise a complex scene, or brainstorm ideas for a new project. Tackle the hardest task early to eliminate procrastination.

Creative writing requires focus. When you delay difficult tasks, they loom over you. This creates anxiety and reduces productivity. ETF to remove this mental burden.

If you struggle to write the dialogue-heavy scene, do it first. You’ll feel a sense of accomplishment, which motivates you to tackle smaller tasks like editing or research.

The “frog” isn’t always obvious. It could be the task you dread the most or the one that requires the most effort.

Assess Your To-Do List. Look at your tasks for the day. Which one feels the most daunting?

Consider Deadlines. If you have a submission due soon, prioritize the task that moves you closer to completion.

Listen to Your Gut. If you’re avoiding a particular task, it’s likely your frog.

If you’re working on a novel and keep putting off the climactic chapter, that’s your frog. If you’re a freelance writer and avoid pitching to a high-profile client, that’s your frog.

Apply the Technique

Plan the Night Before. Before you go to bed, decide what your frog is for the next day. This eliminates decision fatigue in the morning.

Start Early. Begin your writing session by tackling the frog. Set a timer if it helps. Commit to writing for 30 minutes without stopping.

Break It Down. If the task feels overwhelming, break it into smaller steps. If your frog is writing a chapter, start with an outline or a single scene.

Stay Focused. Avoid distractions like social media or email. Close unnecessary tabs and set your phone to silent.

Tips for Success

Set Realistic Goals. Don’t try to eat the entire frog in one bite. Aim to make progress rather than complete the task in one sitting.

Reward Yourself. After eating the frog, treat yourself to a break or a small reward.

Stay Consistent. Make eating the frog a daily habit. Over time, it becomes easier to tackle difficult tasks.

Common Pitfalls

Choosing the Wrong Frog. Don’t pick a task just because it’s hard. The frog is the one that will have the biggest impact on your work.

Overloading Yourself. If you have multiple frogs, prioritize the most important. Tackling too much at once leads to burnout.

Giving Up Too Soon. Some frogs take time to eat. If you don’t finish in one session, continue the next day.

Tackle your most challenging task first to reduce stress, increase productivity, and make steady progress. Whether writing a novel, a blog post, or a screenplay, this method keeps you focused and motivated.

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