Eat that Frog: 21 Great Ways To Stop Procrastinating And Get More Done In Less Time

In our fast-paced world, managing time effectively can feel like a daunting challenge. Brian Tracy’s Eat That Frog! provides a practical, action-oriented guide to overcoming procrastination and achieving more with less time. With over 30 years of time-management expertise, Tracy delivers 21 actionable tips designed to boost productivity and streamline task management. This blog post delves into the core principles of Eat That Frog!, offering detailed insights and practical strategies to help you maximize your productivity and efficiency.

Eat That Frog: An Overview

Brian Tracy’s book is grounded in the metaphor of “eating a frog.” This concept, inspired by Mark Twain’s saying, suggests that tackling your most challenging and essential task (the “frog”) first thing in the morning sets the tone for a productive day. Tracy emphasizes focusing on significant tasks that can produce the most substantial impact, rather than getting bogged down by less critical activities.

The Book in Just 20 Words

Master time management with Brian Tracy’s Eat That Frog!—21 actionable tips to conquer procrastination and boost productivity. Act now!

Eat That Frog: Steps in Short

Here’s a summary of all 21 strategies to help you stop procrastinating and get more done:

1. Set the Table
2. Plan Each Day in Advance
3. Apply the 80/20 Rule to Everything
4. Consider the Consequences
5. Apply Creative Procrastination
6. Use the ABCDE Method
7. Focus On Key Result Areas
8. Apply The Law Of Three
9. Prepare Thoroughly Before You Begin
10. Take It One Step at a Time
11. Upgrade Your Key Skills
12. Leverage Your Special Talents
13. Identify Your Key Constraints
14. Apply Pressure On Yourself
15. Maximize Your Personal Powers
16. Motivate Yourself Into Action
17. Stop Technological Time Drain
18. Slice And Dice The Task
19. Create Large Chunks Of Time
20. Develop A Sense Of Urgency
21. Single-Handle Every Task

The 21 Ways to Eat That Frog

Tracy’s book breaks down 21 actionable strategies to overcome procrastination and achieve more. Here’s a closer look at some of these methods:

1. Set the Table

To start effectively, you need clarity. Understanding what you truly want is essential to overcoming procrastination and taking decisive action.

7 Key Steps to Setting the Table

• Decide Specifically: Identify what you want with precision.
• Write It Down: Document your goals to make them tangible.
• Set Deadlines: Establish a timeline with sub-deadlines if needed.
• List Everything: Note all tasks required to achieve your goal.
• Break Down Tasks: Prioritize and sequence tasks for a clear plan.
• Take Immediate Action: Action outweighs mere planning.
• Daily Progress: Ensure consistent effort towards your goal every day.

Getting Started

Begin by listing 10 goals for the year, phrased as if they are already achieved. Choose the most impactful goal, apply the steps, and take action daily.

2. Plan Every Day in Advance

The 10/90 Rule highlights that spending 10% of your time planning can save you 90% of execution time. Effective planning can significantly boost your productivity.

How to Plan

• Nightly Lists: Create a list of tasks for the following day.
• Different Lists: Use master, monthly, weekly, and daily lists.
• Tick Off Tasks: Mark completed tasks to stay motivated.

Getting Started

Commit to planning each day, week, and month ahead. Use prioritized lists to guide your daily tasks.

3. Apply the 80/20 Rule to Everything

The Pareto Principle asserts that 20% of tasks yield 80% of results. Focus on these critical tasks to maximize your efficiency.

How to Apply the 80/20 Rule

• Identify Top Tasks: Find the most significant tasks that yield the highest results.
• Prioritize: Focus on high-impact tasks rather than minor activities.

Getting Started

List all your key activities and responsibilities. Identify the top 10-20% and work on these first.

4. Consider the Consequences

Successful individuals make decisions with long-term consequences in mind. Focus on tasks that align with your long-term goals and provide the most significant impact.

3 Questions to Find Focus

• Highest-Value Activities: What activities add the most value?
• Unique Contributions: What can only you do to make a difference?
• Most Valuable Use of Time: What’s the best use of your time right now?

Getting Started

Regularly ask yourself what task, if done well, will have the most substantial positive effect on your work and life.

5: Practice Creative Procrastination

Summary: To manage your time effectively, prioritize by postponing or saying no to low-value activities. Focus on high-value tasks that drive significant results. Use zero-based thinking to continually assess and eliminate tasks that no longer add value. Create a daily procrastination list to avoid distractions.

Key Actions:

1. Plan your daily workload in advance.
2. Say no to non-essential tasks.
3. Use zero-based thinking to evaluate tasks.

6: Apply the ABCDE Method

Summary: The ABCDE Method helps prioritize tasks based on importance. Label tasks as A (must-do), B (should-do), C (nice-to-do), D (delegate), or E (eliminate). Start with your A-1 task and complete it before moving to the next. Practice this method daily to improve task management.

Key Actions:

1. Categorize tasks using the ABCDE Method.
2. Start with the A-1 task and complete it.
3. Review and adjust priorities daily.

7: Focus on Key Result Areas

Summary: Identify and improve your key result areas, which are critical to your success. Grade yourself on these areas and focus on improving the weakest one. This practice helps to enhance your performance and career growth.

Key Actions:

1. List and grade your key result areas.
2. Identify the most crucial skill to improve.
3. Seek feedback and work on enhancing this skill.

8: Apply the Law of Forced Efficiency

Summary: Time is limited, so focus on the most valuable tasks. Regularly ask yourself what your highest value activities are and prioritize them. This method ensures that you invest your time in tasks that have the greatest impact.

Key Actions:

1. Identify your highest value activities.
2. Focus on tasks that only you can do.
3. Allocate time for these tasks regularly.

9: Prepare Thoroughly Before You Begin

Summary: Preparation is key to efficient task completion. Gather all necessary materials and set up your workspace before starting. This helps reduce delays and ensures a smooth workflow.

Key Actions:

1. Organize and prepare all materials needed.
2. Set up a conducive work environment.
3. Begin working immediately after preparation.

10: Take It One Oil Barrel at a Time

Summary: Tackle large tasks by breaking them into smaller, manageable steps. Focus on completing one step at a time to make progress. This approach makes overwhelming tasks more approachable and less daunting.

Key Actions:

1. Break tasks into smaller steps.
2. Focus on completing one step at a time.
3. Repeat this process until the task is complete.

11: Upgrade Your Key Skills

Summary: Continually improve your skills to stay relevant and competitive. Dedicate time to learning and developing key skills that will enhance your performance and career. Make lifelong learning a priority.

Key Actions:

1. Read daily in your field.
2. Take relevant courses and attend seminars.
3. Listen to educational audio and practice regularly.

12: Identify Key Constraints

Summary: Identify the primary obstacles that hinder your progress towards your major goals. Focus on resolving these constraints to accelerate your achievement of goals. This involves analyzing and addressing the factors that slow you down.

Key Actions:

1. Determine your major goal.
2. Identify and address the main constraints.
3. Focus on removing or alleviating these constraints.

13: Put the Pressure on Yourself

Summary: Take responsibility for your tasks and set high standards. Avoid procrastination by setting deadlines and working diligently. Organize and schedule tasks to ensure timely completion and continuous progress.

Key Actions:

1. Set high standards for your work.
2. Establish and adhere to deadlines.
3. Organize tasks and evaluate progress regularly.

14: Maximize Your Personal Powers

Summary: Manage your physical, mental, and emotional energy to enhance productivity. Identify your peak performance times and take care of your health. Regular breaks and proper nutrition also contribute to sustained high performance.

Key Actions:

1. Identify and use peak performance times.
2. Take regular breaks and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
3. Exercise and manage energy levels effectively.

15: Motivate Yourself into Action

Summary: Develop a positive mindset to stay motivated. Encourage and cheer yourself on, focus on solutions rather than problems, and take full responsibility for your actions. Positive self-talk and visualization help maintain motivation.

Key Actions:

1. Practice positive self-talk.
2. Visualize goals and stay optimistic.
3. Take responsibility and focus on solutions.

16: Practice Creative Procrastination

Summary: Procrastinate on low-value tasks to free up time for more important work. Use zero-based thinking to review and eliminate tasks that no longer serve you. Focus on activities that provide the highest value.

Key Actions:

1. Identify and delay low-value tasks.
2. Use zero-based thinking to evaluate tasks.
3. Focus on high-value activities.

17: Do the Most Difficult Task First

Summary: Start each day with the most challenging task. This habit ensures that you tackle the most important work when your energy and focus are at their peak. Completing difficult tasks first boosts productivity and reduces procrastination.

Key Actions:

1. Identify and start with the most difficult task.
2. Prepare and organize for this task.
3. Complete it before moving to other tasks.

18: Slice and Dice the Task

Summary: Break large tasks into smaller, manageable pieces. Use techniques like the “Salami Slice” and “Swiss Cheese” to handle overwhelming projects. Focus on completing small sections to build momentum and achieve the overall goal.

Key Actions:

1. Divide large tasks into smaller pieces.
2. Use techniques to handle smaller chunks.
3. Build momentum by completing sections.

19: Create Large Chunks of Time

Summary: Schedule dedicated blocks of time for important tasks. Avoid interruptions and focus solely on these tasks during scheduled periods. Use this time effectively to make significant progress.

Key Actions:

1. Schedule specific blocks of time for tasks.
2. Minimize distractions and focus during these periods.
3. Utilize all available time effectively.

20: Develop a Sense of Urgency

Summary: Cultivate a sense of urgency to enhance productivity and enter a state of “flow.” Act quickly on opportunities and responsibilities. Developing a bias for action helps to accomplish tasks efficiently and effectively.

Key Actions:

1. Develop a sense of urgency in tasks.
2. Act quickly on opportunities and responsibilities.
3. Maintain a high level of activity and focus.

21: Single Handle Every Task

Summary: Focus on completing one task at a time without distractions. Single handling improves efficiency and quality of work. Persistently work on a task until it is finished to enhance self-discipline and productivity.

Key Actions:

• Persist and complete tasks to enhance productivity.
• Work on one task at a time.
• Avoid distractions and focus until completion.

Getting the Most from Eat That Frog!

For those eager to dive deeper, Brian Tracy’s Eat That Frog! offers a comprehensive guide to enhancing productivity and efficiency. The book includes practical tips, real-world examples, and a detailed breakdown of each principle. To get the full details, you can access the complete book summary bundle, including an infographic, a 15-page text summary, and a 26-minute audio summary. Purchase the book here or visit briantracy.com for more information.

About the Author

Brian Tracy is a renowned motivational speaker and self-development author. With over 70 books translated into numerous languages, Tracy is a leading figure in personal and professional growth. He is the Chairman and CEO of Brian Tracy International, focusing on leadership, self-esteem, strategy, and success psychology. Tracy’s diverse career includes roles in sales, marketing, real estate, and consulting.

Eat That Frog Quotes

• “Every idea in this book is focused on increasing your overall levels of productivity, performance, and outcome and on making you more valuable in whatever you do.”
• “An average plan vigorously executed is far better than a brilliant plan on which nothing is done.”
• “The hardest part of any important task is getting started on it in the first place.”
• “Time management is really life management, personal management.”
• “Your job is to go as far as you can see. You will then see far enough to go further.”
• “Continuous learning is the minimum requirement for success in any field.”
• “Sometimes, to get more done of higher value, you have to stop doing things of lower value.”
• “Self-discipline, self-mastery, and self-control are the basic building blocks of character and high-performance.”

Conclusion

Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy provides a treasure trove of actionable strategies to tackle procrastination and enhance productivity. By implementing these 21 tips, you can transform your approach to time management, achieve your goals more effectively, and ultimately, live a more productive and fulfilling life. Start today by choosing one or two strategies to apply, and watch as your productivity soars.