Andrea Seydel Live Life Happy Podcast/ Bookclub/ Blog
EAT THAT FROG: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done In Less Time.
Introduction
We all know that prioritization is key to getting things done. But how? Brian Tracy offers practical advice that you can implement immediately to make sure you tick off everything on your to-do list.
It's time to stop procrastinating and get more of the important things done! After all, successful people don't try to do everything. They focus on their most important tasks and get those done. They eat their frogs.
There's an old saying that if the first thing you do each morning is eat a live frog, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you're done with the worst thing you'll have to do all day. For Tracy, eating a frog is a metaphor for tackling your most challenging task—but also the one that can have the greatest positive impact on your life.
Eat That Frog! shows you how to organize each day so you can zero in on these critical tasks and accomplish them efficiently and effectively. This life-changing book will ensure that you get more of your important tasks done today.
Set the Table
Clear goals are directly related to productivity. People often procrastinate because they have vague goals.
Steps to accomplishing goals 1. Decide exactly what you want or need to accomplish. 2. Write your goals down 3. set a deadline. 4. Make a list of every step required. 5., Formulate a plan. 6. Take action., 7. Commit to doing at least one thing each day.
Plan Everyday In Advance
If you want to eat your biggest frog, its essential to plan ahead. Break down your goals step by step. Plan your day.
Start with list that encompasses everything you want to do. Another list everything you need to achieve in the next month. Plan the next week. Plan individual days.
Commit to starting every day with the vital tasks and you will see your productivity and sense of accomplishment soar. Focus on the vital few tasks and not the trivial many.
Consider the Consequences
Use the ABCDEF
The key is to never more to the next letter until you have completely the previous one.
Prepare Thoroughly Before you Begin
Prepare your environment, tools and required information. Task A items should be the only thing in your field of vision.
Minimize or eliminate any need to leave the work area until you are done. Don't waste time worrying about perfection.
Identify Your Key Constraints and Put the Pressure on Yourself
What is standing between where you are and where you wan tot be? Identify the constant and alleviate it so you can be productive. What's getting in the way? Stress, exhaustion, lack of resources,?
Take responsibility for limiting factors and work to improve them, rather than excuse them. Self motivation is a key factor- don't wait for others to show up to motivate you. Apply continual inward pressure. Hold yourself to higher standards.
Motivate Yourself Into Action
You must provide your own encouragement. Hold yourself to high standards. Talk to yourself in encouraging and uplifting ways. Remind yourself how great you are.
Practice optimistic behaviours everyday. 1. Look for the good in the bad. 2. Find the lesson in the tough situations. 3. Seek the solution to problems. 4. Constantly focus on your goals.
Technology is a Terrible Master and a Wonderful Servant
Technology can be highly useful, but can also be a drain on productivity, health and happiness. Make technology work for you.
Unplug regularly. Phone off so it doesn't distract you. Schedule times to use your media. Do use calendars, task completion tasks, calendars. Prepare technology as you begin to work each day. Disable and limit distraction. Use for accountability. Make technology your servant not your master.
Focus Your Attention
Many people think multi tasking is efficient- but it's harder to shift your attention back and forth. SINGLE HANDLE EVERY TASK- When you focus you undivided attention to a task the time you need to complete it is cut in half.
Develop a sense of URGENCY- Become action oriented. How do action oriented people get so much done? They tap into a mental state called "Flow". This happens when you discipline yourself to get to work, and you work hard and continuous. Having a sense of urgency is a good way to trigger a state of flow. Urgency is like racing against the clock. Urgency sparks action. Instead of talking about what you are going to do. DO IT WITH VIGOR.
Slice and Dice the Task
Two methods to build momentum and find motivation to complete large tasks or goals. Getting things done is energizing. You can become addicted to the sense of accomplishment.
Salami Slice- write out every step and detail of the project and divide it into slices or smaller portions. Like cutting up salami.
Swiss Cheese - Set aside chunks of time to work on the project uninterrupted. Working diligently for a selected amount of time.
CREATE LARGE CHUNKS OF TIME: Larger chucks of time tend to build momentum you need to get thing done. Develop the habit of setting aside larger blocks of time to dedicate to your biggest goals. Plan the night before. Schedule the chunks of time free from distraction.
CONCLUSION
In order to be effective and successful, you must develop the habit of eating your frog: Choose your biggest, ugliest task of the day and do it first thing. It is your highest priority. This habit is learned through practice, repetition, and self-discipline.
Procrastination is the death of success. It drains your time, energy and self-respect, ultimately leads you stressed and unable to enjoy your life.
Eat that frog so you can get your tasks done faster and better, leaving more time to do what you love and become your best self.