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Nigel Scott

Expert opinion: Eating a frog can get your day off to a great start

I don’t usually give dietary advice – and you probably don’t think much of this suggestion! However, what I’m really talking about is an approach to managing yourself and your time.

This idea comes from Michael Treacy’s book Eat That Frog, which is a book I often give it to clients who feel they have too much to do.

Actually the book (which is small and easily digested – unlike the frog) is full of simple tips on making time to get the most important things done.

Why the title?

Well the idea is that, if the worst thing you have to do today is eat a big slimy frog that is sitting on your desk going ‘ribbit ribbit’ at you, then you might as well get on and eat the pesky thing right away, first thing. Then it’s done and out of the way.

Why is this powerful? Think about it this way; if you have a difficult piece of work to do, one you really don’t like doing and really don’t want to do, then the longer it sits in front of you, the more unhappy you will get about the prospect of doing it.

That unhappy feeling will be with you for as long as it takes you to get started. What a way to ruin a great day. Or week…..

On the other hand you could choose to keep that unhappy time as short as possible. Couldn’t you? Do the most unpleasant thing first, then you can feel great about yourself all day, all week if you want!

How about a little ‘reward to self’ (doughnuts in my case)?

There’s always a ‘Plan B’ though… you could always hide the nasty task in a cupboard and hope it will go away (though I can’t promise this one will work).

I have lots more ideas to help you get the most out of your busy day. So get in touch if you’d like to know more.

Nigel Scott offers business and executive coaching in Wiltshire and Swindon. Contact him on 01672 512001 or via email at nigelscott@actioncoach.com