If the first thing you had to do every morning was eat a live frog, the rest of your day would probably seem easier.
Thankfully, no amphibians are involved.
The “frog” represents the most important, challenging, or impactful task on your to-do list. It’s often the one you’ve been putting off, the one that feels uncomfortable, or the one that requires the most concentration.
It’s also usually the task that will make the biggest difference to your business.
Why We Avoid the Frog
Most of us start the day with the easy jobs.
We answer emails.
We check social media.
We clear a few small tasks.
We convince ourselves we’re being productive.
The problem is that these quick wins can create the illusion of progress while the task that really matters remains untouched.
At the end of the day, we’ve been busy but not necessarily productive.
The Key Principles of Eat That Frog
Tackle Your Toughest Task First
The central principle is simple.
Identify the task that will have the biggest positive impact on your goals and do it before anything else.
Once it’s completed, everything else feels easier and you’ve already achieved something meaningful.
Focus on the Vital Few
The book draws heavily on the 80/20 principle.
In many businesses, around 20% of activities generate 80% of results.
The challenge is identifying which activities genuinely move the needle and which simply keep us occupied.
For business owners, that might mean focusing on sales conversations, strategic planning, client relationships, or improving systems rather than getting lost in administrative tasks.
Use Systems and Technology
Distractions are everywhere.
Good systems, clear processes, and the right technology can help reduce decision fatigue and keep you focused on the work that matters most.
Whether it’s task management software, calendar blocking, or automated workflows, the goal is the same: spend less time managing work and more time doing valuable work.
Prioritise Using the ABCDE Method
One of the techniques discussed in the book is the ABCDE method:
A Tasks – Must be done. Significant consequences if ignored.
B Tasks – Should be done. Some consequences if delayed.
C Tasks – Nice to do but little consequence.
D Tasks – Delegate wherever possible.
E Tasks – Eliminate altogether.
It’s a simple framework, but many of us would be surprised how much time is spent on C, D, and E tasks while the A tasks sit untouched.
What Does This Mean for Business Owners?
Running a business often means juggling dozens of competing priorities.
It’s easy to spend an entire day reacting to requests, emails, and interruptions without making meaningful progress on your most important goals.
The Eat That Frog approach encourages you to ask a simple question:
What is the one task I could complete today that would make everything else easier or less important?
That’s your frog.
It might be:
Calling a potential client
Reviewing your pricing
Chasing overdue debts
Updating your systems
Creating a marketing plan
Finally tackling that project you’ve been postponing for months
Whatever it is, do it first.
Don’t Tell Me… Do It!
If you’re reading this and immediately thinking of a task you’ve been avoiding, you’ve probably just identified your frog.
The temptation is to think about it, plan it, discuss it, or tell someone about it.
Instead, close this blog and get started.
The hardest part is usually beginning.
Want to Learn More?
The book that inspired this approach is Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy and is available from most major booksellers.
It’s a quick, practical read packed with productivity techniques that can help you focus on what matters most and achieve more in less time.
Now, the question is:
Have you eaten your frog today?
Further Reading: Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy, available from major booksellers including Amazon UK and Waterstones