Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time

Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time is a book by Brian Tracy that provides practical strategies for overcoming procrastination and managing time more effectively. The book's title is based on a quote by Mark Twain, who said, "Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day." 

Tracy's central message is that procrastination is the biggest obstacle to achieving our goals, and that we need to take action to overcome it. He argues that the most successful people are those who have mastered the art of time management and who are able to prioritise their tasks and focus on what is most important. 

The book is organised into 21 chapters, each of which focuses on a specific strategy for overcoming procrastination and getting things done. Some of the key strategies that Tracy recommends include: 

1. Set clear goals: The first step to overcoming procrastination is to have a clear sense of what you want to achieve. This involves setting specific, measurable goals that are aligned with your values and priorities. 

2. Plan and prioritise: Once you have set your goals, the next step is to plan and prioritise your tasks. This means breaking down larger projects into smaller, more manageable tasks, and then deciding which tasks are most important and should be done first. 

3. Focus on high-value activities: To be truly productive, it is important to focus on high-value activities that are aligned with your goals and priorities. This means avoiding distractions and timewasters, and focusing on tasks that will have the biggest impact on your success. 

4. Use time-blocking: Time-blocking is a technique that involves scheduling specific blocks of time for specific tasks. This helps to ensure that you are focusing on the most important tasks and avoiding distractions. 

5. Develop good habits: Tracy emphasizes the importance of developing good habits that support productivity and success. This includes things like getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. 

Throughout the book, Tracy provides practical tips and exercises for implementing these strategies and overcoming procrastination. He also shares stories and examples from his own life and career, as well as from other successful people, to illustrate the power of these strategies. 

Overall, "Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time" is a practical and accessible guide to time management and productivity. It provides a clear and actionable framework for overcoming procrastination and achieving your goals, and it emphasizes the importance of focusing on what is most important and developing good habits that support success. Whether you are a student, professional, or entrepreneur, this book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to achieve more in less time. 

The 5 key takeaways from this book 

1. Tackle the most challenging task first: Tracy uses the metaphor of "eating a frog" to represent tackling your biggest, most important task early in the day. By completing your most challenging task first, you'll experience a sense of accomplishment and gain momentum for the rest of the day. 

2. Set clear goals and prioritize: Determine your most important goals and tasks and prioritise them based on their impact on your overall success. Focus on high-value activities that align with your long-term objectives, and avoid getting caught up in low-priority tasks that don't contribute significantly to your goals. 

3. Break tasks into smaller steps: Breaking down big tasks into smaller, more manageable steps can help you overcome procrastination. Each step feels more achievable and less overwhelming, increasing your motivation to get started. This approach also allows you to track your progress and stay focused on completing one step at a time. 

4. Apply the 80/20 rule: The Pareto Principle states that roughly 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. Identify the key tasks that will have the most impact and prioritize them accordingly. By focusing on the most valuable activities, you can maximise your productivity and achieve better results in less time. 

5. Eliminate distractions and practice time management: Minimise distractions, such as social media, emails, and interruptions, that hinder your productivity. Create dedicated blocks of time for focused work and eliminate time-wasting activities. Effective time management techniques, such as using a planner, setting deadlines, and scheduling specific tasks, can help you stay on track and make progress towards your goals.