Self-Care September Day 14: Eat the Frog

Mark Twain is quoted as having said, “If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning. And if it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the biggest one first.”

In context of our Self-Care September Challenge, the frog is that one thing you have on your to-do list that you need to accomplish but have absolutely no motivation to do. It's the item you're most likely to procrastinate on, or perhaps already have been.

You know the one.

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It's the thing that popped into your mind as soon as you started reading this: the appointment you need to make, the form you need to fill out, the bill you need to pay, the deadline you need to meet, the transaction you need to execute, the invoice you need to send, the call you need to return.  

Not sure what your frog is? Take your To Do list and divide it into four categories, a la Eisenhower Matrix style: 

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

The frog is the top one: Things you don’t want to do, but actually need to do.

Once that task is completed, you'll be amazed at how much easier the rest of your To Do list will feel, plus you'll get to ride that wave of momentum and sense of accomplishment for the the rest of the day.

Eating the frog is the same idea as ripping the bandaid off or jumping feet first into the cold pool - do it all at once and without hesitation. Facing the most important but most dreaded task of the day first thing in the morning means you will tackle it with a clear mind, fresh energy, and while your willpower is at its strongest. 

​The longer you wait to eat the frog, the more tired you’ll be, the more willpower it will require, and the more likely it is that the frog will eat you.

Self-Care September Day 14: Eat the Frog

Go on, get 'er done. I'm sending you a high five from here!

I love you and will see you soon!
xo,
Coach Alex