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“Eat the frog” is a phrase we hear often when it comes to productivity. It’s based on a concept popularised by Mark Twain, who once said that if you eat a live frog first thing in the morning, you’ll have already conquered the worst thing you need to do that day. For many, this idea of getting the most dreaded task out of the way first is a tried-and-tested method for boosting productivity. But is it the right approach for everyone? Or is there merit in easing into your day with a gentler start?
Let’s break down both approaches, looking at the pros and cons of each. After all, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to how we work, and how we start our mornings can set the tone for the rest of the day.
Eating the Frog: Tackling the Hardest Task First
For those who swear by this method, eating the frog means diving straight into your toughest task, whether it’s a challenging client case, a long-delayed email, or the most complex bit of work on your to-do list. The logic is that once you’ve done the hardest thing, the rest of your day feels lighter, and you’ve overcome the biggest obstacle early on.
The Pros
Mental Relief: By facing the most daunting task first, you free yourself from the weight of procrastination. Instead of dreading that task all day, you conquer it early and give yourself a sense of accomplishment. It’s like lifting a mental burden, leaving you clearer and more energised for the rest of the day.
Momentum: Starting with something difficult can create a sense of momentum. Once you’ve tackled the hardest challenge, everything else feels more manageable, and you may find yourself moving through your to-do list with more ease and speed.
Fewer Distractions: In the morning, before the day’s distractions have crept in, you might be able to focus better on that tough task. You’re less likely to be pulled into meetings or email chains, which could make it the best time for deep, focused work.
The Cons
Energy Drain: Jumping straight into the hardest task might drain your energy early in the day. If the task requires significant mental or emotional effort, it could leave you feeling depleted by mid-morning, making the rest of the day a slog.
Resistance: There’s also the risk of heightened procrastination. If you’re not a morning person or if the task feels overwhelming, you might end up avoiding it entirely, leading to a cycle of guilt and stress that undermines productivity.
Loss of Warm-up Time: Some people need time to warm up mentally and emotionally in the morning. Starting with a difficult task may feel jarring if you haven’t had the chance to fully wake up and ease into the day.
A Gentler Start: Easing into Your Day
On the other end of the spectrum, there’s the idea of starting your day with gentler tasks—ones that are easier, more routine, or even enjoyable. This could be something as simple as organising your workspace, catching up on emails, or doing some light reading related to your work.
The Pros
Building Confidence: Starting with small, manageable tasks can help build a sense of achievement early in the day. By ticking off a few items on your list, you create positive momentum, which can make the bigger tasks seem less daunting when you get to them.
Mental Warm-up: A slow start gives your brain a chance to warm up. If you’re not naturally a morning person or if you find it hard to dive straight into deep work, this approach allows you to wake up gradually and gather focus.
Lower Stress Levels: Easing into the day with something that feels less intense can reduce anxiety. Instead of facing a big challenge straight away, you allow yourself to gradually work up to more demanding tasks without putting too much pressure on yourself right from the start.
The Cons
Delayed Productivity: While it might feel nice to start slow, there’s a risk that you’ll never quite get around to tackling that frog. The longer you put off the difficult task, the more it can loom over your day, creating underlying stress and diminishing your productivity.
Procrastination Trap: Starting with smaller tasks can sometimes lead to distraction. Before you know it, you’re halfway through the day, still caught up in routine tasks, and the bigger, more important work remains untouched.
Less Time for Deep Work: For some people, mornings are the best time for focused, uninterrupted work. If you spend that time on small tasks, you might miss your prime hours for tackling more complex projects.
So, which approach is better—eating the frog or starting gently? The truth is, it depends entirely on your personality, work style, and the nature of the task at hand.