Eat the Frog Method: A Simple Approach to Increase Productivity

While you may not have heard of the Eat the Frog method, you’re probably familiar with its core concept: Doing the hardest thing on your to-do list first. It’s an effective productivity technique that uses strategic prioritization to enhance the way you work.

This article explores the Eat the Frog technique and how it can drive steady, meaningful progress.

What is the Eat the Frog method?

Productivity expert Brian Tracy introduced the concept in his book Eat That Frog!. He suggests starting each day by tackling your hardest, most important task — your “frog” — first. Once that’s out of the way, everything else feels easier by comparison. 

This time management approach clears mental space and mitigates procrastination, helping capitalize on the energy and willpower that you’re likely to have earlier in the day. However, the method isn’t about just getting the hardest work over with. It also prevents decision fatigue and brings clarity to your workday. 

5 benefits of the Eat the Frog time management method 

To fully grasp the Eat the Frog technique meaning, you need to understand its value. These five benefits can guide you toward more consistent productivity.

1. Prioritizes the Most Important Task

The core of the Eat the Frog method is about identifying your most important task, which is usually the one with the most significant long-term impact. This may not be the most urgent item on your to-do list, but one that represents the greatest challenge or most aligns with business goals.

2. Resists Procrastination

Procrastination is one of the biggest barriers to productivity. The Eat the Frog method works because it encourages you to face tasks you’re likely to put off. By tackling the frog first, you build momentum and confidence early in the day.

3. Eliminates Distractions

When you’re working through challenging or unenjoyable work,it may feel more tempting to check your phone or switch to another task. That’s why you need to carve out distraction-free time to give the frog your full attention. Having fewer distractions makes the task easier and quicker to complete.

4. Maintains Consistency

Treating the Eat the Frog method as a daily productivity habit trains your brain to prioritize high-impact work. Instead of waiting for occasional bursts of motivation, you’ll create steady momentum that compounds over time.

5. Limits Multitasking

The Eat the Frog technique is about working with purpose, not doing more. Multitasking can be detrimental, splitting your attention and slowing progress. It’s more effective to complete one task before moving on to the next. 

Who should use the Eat the Frog technique?

The Eat the Frog productivity method isn’t a universal fix, but it’s particularly useful for anyone who struggles with focus or motivation. Here are the groups that can benefit the most:

• People who Struggle with Prioritization: If you often waste time deciding where to start or gravitate toward low-impact tasks to feel productive, this method can help. By prioritizing your hardest or most important task, Eat the Frog simplifies decision-making. Having a clear starting point helps you act with intention.‍
• Chronic Procrastinators: For those who regularly put things off, the Eat the Frog method will upgrade your productivity. Tackling your most challenging task first breaks the cycle of avoidance and sets a productive tone for the rest of your day. ‍
• Productivity Enthusiasts: The Eat the Frog method ensures you get the most out of your workday. It pushes you to prioritize progress over busy work and get results without burning out. ‍
• Remote Workers and Freelancers: Without a traditional office or set work schedule, it’s easy to drift into multitasking that splits your focus. The Eat the Frog technique helps remote workers and freelancers stay anchored to productivity by pinpointing a single, high-priority task. It minimizes distractions and makes independent productivity more manageable.

What’s an Example of the Eat the Frog Method?

Imagine you’re working on a pitch deck for investors. It’s a complex, high-stakes task that requires focus and creativity. Because it’s more demanding than daily admin or busy work, it’s a task that may feel easy to put off. Meanwhile, your inbox is full and your calendar needs organizing. 

The Eat the Frog method says: Do the pitch deck first. It’s the task that matters most and will be the most impactful, even if it feels uncomfortable to do. Once that big task is out the way, you feel accomplished. Your day starts productively, and everything else that follows feels easier. 

How to eat the frog

Implementing the Eat the Frog method takes planning and discipline. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help make it part of your daily routine.

Identify Your Tasks

Start by listing every task and project that needs your attention. The goal is to capture a complete picture, so include everything — big or small. Once you have your list, look for high-impact tasks. Prioritization frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix and MoSCow method can help separate the urgent from the important.

Choose Your Frog

Decide which task is the most important or challenging. If you're unsure, look for a task you're tempted to delay or one that feels overwhelming. Identifying your frog will tell you where to channel your energy first.

Minimize Distractions and Stay Focused

When it’s time to eat the frog, create an environment that supports deep focus. Silence phone notifications, close unnecessary browser tabs, and clear your workspace of distractions. You can use focus techniques like the Pomodoro method to set up short, timed sessions. Give the frog your full attention until it’s done. 

Maintain a Record of Your Progress

Keep a simple record of the frogs you complete each day. Tracking your progress — whether in a notebook or app — reinforces the habit and builds a sense of accomplishment. It also helps you reflect on what’s working and what you could improve.

Build Consistency

The Eat the Frog method works best when it becomes part of your daily rhythm. Every morning, approach your frog before anything else. Over time, this consistent practice reshapes your approach to work and makes productivity feel more natural. 

Get Started With an Athena Assistant

The Eat the Frog method involves tackling important tasks first, but staying focused can be challenging when admin, emails, and follow-ups pull your attention. That’s exactly where an Athena Assistant adds value. By handling recurring and time-consuming tasks, your assistant frees you to focus on the work that drives real progress. 

Athena Assistants help leaders operate at their highest level. Work with greater intention and impact — get started with an Athena Assistant today.

FAQ

Does the Eat the Frog method work?

For many people, the Eat the Frog method is a powerful way to overcome procrastination and build momentum. By tackling your most important task first, you reduce mental clutter and avoid wasting valuable energy on low-impact work. Over time, cultivating this habit improves your focus. 

‍