We all have 24 hours in a day, so what we do within those 24 hours is what makes all the difference in the world; in your productivity and time freedom.
One of the biggest obstacles to productivity and time freedom is procrastination. The time and energy procrastination drains from you can be staggering not to mention the emotional toll paid by worrying about things not completed.
One of the best strategies that I use to overcome procrastination, I learned from Brian Tracy in his book “Eat That Frog.” The whole premise comes from something that Mark Twain said…
“Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.”
This of course is a metaphor. The truth is the frogs in our life are the tasks, projects and things we’ve been putting off doing that are a priority and important to our success. So at the beginning of each day, look at the tasks you know need to be done that day; the ones that are really crucial to your success.
I think you’ll find that only 20% of what you think you need to get done are truly important and will undoubtedly create 80% of the results you’re after. It’s the old 80/20 rule.
Once you’ve identified these essential tasks, prioritize them and get ready to eat your frog. Pick the biggest, ugliest and most challenging task and do it until it’s complete.
If you’ll do this, you’ll have eaten your frog and completed the most difficult and challenging task at hand. Not only will you be more accomplished by doing this, but the emotional charge and pride of completion you’ll feel, will propel you throughout the rest of your day.
You will find you will be happier, more energized, worry less, and it will feel as if you’re riding the current instead of working against it.
Try this for one week and you’ll never look back because not only will you be the most productive and have the most time freedom that you’ve ever had before, you’ll be happier and enjoy what you’re doing even more.
By Markus Loving, Online Market Domination in Lincolnshire, Illinois, USA
