Stop Procrastinating, Get Things DONE!
Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time
by Brian Tracy
Productivity
TL;DR
This book is your personal drill sergeant for getting off your ass and being productive. It's all about identifying your biggest, nastiest task (your 'frog') and devouring it first thing before your brain can even register how much it hates doing it. You'll learn to prioritize like a savage, break down overwhelming projects into bite-sized chunks, and ruthlessly eliminate distractions. The core idea is to build momentum by tackling the hardest thing first, making everything else feel like a walk in the park. It's less about 'time management' and more about energy management and strategic task execution to stop you from spiraling into a procrastination black hole.
Action Items
Identify ONE 'frog' for tomorrow. The nastiest, most important thing. Set an alarm and do ONLY that for 30 minutes before anything else.
Look at your current to-do list. Circle the top 2 tasks that, if completed, would make the biggest difference in your day or week. Ignore the rest for now.
For the next 24 hours, pay attention to your energy levels. When do you feel most focused and sharp? When do you feel like a potato? Plan your 'frog' for your peak time tomorrow.
Pick one small task you need to do today. Set a timer for 15 minutes. For those 15 minutes, do ONLY that task. No phone, no other tabs, no distractions. See how much you get done.
Unlock the full book to see more action items
Key Chapter
Chapter - Set the Table: Decide Exactly What You Want
Ever feel like your to-do list is a never-ending scroll of doom? This chapter hits hard on the idea that not all tasks are created equal. It's like, you've got your 'urgent but not important' crap that screams for attention (think endless emails) and then your 'important but not urgent' stuff that actually moves the needle (like that big project). The real flex is learning to differentiate between the noise and the actual work. By focusing on the tasks that truly matter and have the biggest impact, you stop wasting precious brainpower on low-value activities. It's about being a strategic boss, not just a busy bee, and making sure your effort goes where it counts most.
Key Methods and Approaches
Devour the Grossest Thing First
(AKA: Eat That Frog!)
Description:
Tackle your most important, most dreaded task first thing in the morning, before you do anything else.
Explanation:
Imagine your day is a buffet, and there's this giant, slimy frog sitting right there. Most people would try to eat all the tasty pastries first, then stare at the frog all day, feeling guilty. This method says, 'Nah, fam. Chug that frog down first.' Get the worst, most impactful thing done when your brain is fresh and hasn't been polluted by TikTok or existential dread. Once that nasty thing is out of the way, the rest of your day feels like a breeze. It's like ripping off a band-aid, but for your productivity.
Examples:
You have a huge, complex report due. Instead of checking emails, open that report first and write the intro.
Your apartment is a disaster. Pick the absolute worst chore (e.g., cleaning the toilet) and do it before coffee.
That awkward phone call you've been avoiding? Make it the first thing you do after waking up.
Today's Action:
Identify ONE 'frog' for tomorrow. The nastiest, most important thing. Set an alarm and do ONLY that for 30 minutes before anything else.
End of Preview
Want to read the complete insights, methods, and actionable takeaways? Unlock the full book experience with Pro.
Your daily 1-minute insights