Why leaders need to take up challenging tasks

You may have many responsibilities and goals to achieve in 2024 as a leader. But how do you prioritize them and avoid procrastination? How do you ensure you are not wasting time on trivial or easy tasks while neglecting the ones that matter?

One possible solution is to adopt the “Eat that frog” principle, popularized by Brian Tracy in his book of the same name. The idea is simple: every morning, identify the most important and difficult task you must do that day and do it first. This is your “frog”; eating it will give you momentum, confidence, and satisfaction for the rest of the day.

Every morning, identify the most important and difficult task you must do that day and do it first.

Why eat the frog?

Procrastination is often caused by fear, uncertainty, or lack of motivation. By tackling the hardest task first, you will overcome these barriers and feel more empowered to take action.

You will increase your productivity.

Focusing on the most impactful task will prevent distractions and interruptions that can derail your progress. You will also free up your mental energy and time for other tasks that may be easier or more enjoyable.

Procrastination is often caused by fear, uncertainty, or lack of motivation.

You will improve your decision-making.

Eating the frog will force you to make a clear and deliberate choice about what matters most. You will also avoid the “paradox of choice”, which is the tendency to feel overwhelmed and dissatisfied when faced with too many options.

You will inspire your team.

Setting an example of eating the frog will show your team you are committed, disciplined, and courageous. You will also create a culture of excellence and accountability, where everyone is expected to do their best and deliver results.

How to eat the frog?

Eating the frog may sound simple, but it is not easy. It requires planning, discipline, and determination. Here are some tips to help you eat the frog effectively:

Identify your frog.

The first step is determining your most important and difficult task that day. This may vary depending on your goals, deadlines, and priorities. Tools like the Eisenhower Matrix can help you sort your tasks by urgency and importance.

Prepare your frog.

The second step is to make your frog as easy and appealing as possible. This means breaking it down into smaller, manageable steps, gathering the necessary resources and information, and eliminating potential obstacles or distractions.

Eat your frog.

The third and final step is to do your frog. This means starting early, preferably in the morning, when you have the most energy and focus. It also means avoiding the temptation to switch to another task or check your email or social media. Just focus on your frog until it is done.

Eating the frog is a powerful productivity technique that can help you achieve your goals in 2024. Doing the most important and difficult task first will overcome procrastination, increase productivity, improve decision-making, and inspire your team. So, what are you waiting for? Find your frog and eat it today!