Eat the frog: Best way to manage your daily to-do list.
The “Eat the Frog” method - tackling your most critical and challenging task first - cuts through procrastination and you can move faster with your to-do list. Coined by Brian Tracy, it’s rooted in a Mark Twain adage: eat the frog early and the day gets easier.
Picture this: You wake up, grab your coffee and stare at a to-do list that’s a mix of tiny tasks and one big, ugly “frog” - a task so daunting you’d rather scroll social media than work on it. Sound familiar? That’s where the “Eat the Frog” strategy comes in - a game-changer for anyone who wants to move faster through their day and actually get stuff done.
Think writing a report, making a tough call, or planning a project - not the low-stakes task like clearing your inbox.
Why Do It First?
Your willpower and energy peak early in the day. Science backs this up: studies show decision fatigue sets in as the hours tick by, making it harder to focus on big tasks later.
By eating the frog first, you hit it when you’re sharpest, not when you’re running on fumes.
How does it speed up your To-Do list?
- Momentum kicks InKnocking out the hardest task first is like a power-up. You feel accomplished, unstoppable even. That rush of “I did it!” carries you into smaller tasks with less resistance. Instead of stalling, you’re ticking off items faster than you thought possible.
- Procrastination takes a hitProcrastination loves a looming frog - it thrives on avoidance. But when you eat it first, there’s nothing left to dodge. Your list shrinks quicker because you’re not wasting time dreading what’s ahead.
- Clarity sharpens your focusBig tasks often tie into bigger goals - finishing them early gives you a clear view of what’s next. Without that frog clouding your headspace, you prioritize better and work on tasks that move the needle.
- Time expands (sort of)Ever notice how a day drags when you’re avoiding something? Eating the frog flips that script. Finish it early and you’ve got hours left to tackle other tasks - or let’s be real, take a well-earned break. It’s just smart time management.
Real-Life Wins
Imagine you’re a freelancer juggling deadlines. Your frog is a client proposal due tomorrow. Instead of fiddling with your website all morning, you dive into the proposal at 8 a.m. By 10, it’s done. Now, your inbox, design tweaks and calls feel like a breeze - not a burden.
Or say you’re a manager: that budget review you’ve been dreading? Eat it first and your team updates and meetings flow smoother with a clear mind.
How to start eating your frog
- Spot the frog: Pick your most impactful, intimidating task the night before.
- Prep the plate: Break it into bite-sized steps if it’s massive—don’t choke on it.
- Set the timer: Commit to 30-60 minutes first thing—no distractions.
- Celebrate: Once it’s done, savor the win. You’ve earned it.
What’s the payoff?
Eating the frog first isn’t just about crossing off a task - it’s about owning your day.
You stop reacting to your to-do list and start running it. That sense of control? It’s addictive.
Plus, the faster you move through the big stuff, the more room you’ve got for creativity, growth, or just kicking back without guilt.
So tomorrow, don’t let that frog stare you down. Eat it first and watch how fast your to-do list shrinks and how good it feels to win the day before lunch.