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

by: Brian Tracy (0)

The international bestselling guide to managing time and prioritizing tasks—in a fully revised and updated edition featuring 2 new chapters!

There's an old saying that if the first thing you do each morning is eat a live frog, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you're done with the worst thing you'll have to do all day. For Brian Tracy, eating a frog is a metaphor for tackling your most challenging task—but also the one that can have the greatest positive impact on your life.
Eat That Frog! shows you how to organize each day so you can zero in on these critical tasks and accomplish them efficiently and effectively.

In this fully revised and updated edition, Tracy adds two new chapters. The first explains how you can use technology to remind yourself of what is most important and protect yourself from what is least important. The second offers advice for maintaining focus in our era of constant distractions, electronic and otherwise.

The Quotes

The ability to concentrate single-mindedly on your most important task, to do it well and to finish it completely, is the key to great success, achievement, respect, status, and happiness in life.

The first rule of frog eating is this: If you have to eat two frogs, eat the ugliest one first.

Step seven: Resolve to do something every single day that moves you toward your major goal.

“What can I and only I do, that if done well, will make a real difference?”

The Reviews

This is a fairly quick read and if you haven’t done much reading around productivity and focus, you **need** to read this book. It’s going to give you the best primer around on getting focused, and staying focused in the midst of distraction.It’s going to give you a good look at how to choose the most important task.If you’ve read books like  The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results , Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World , The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months  then you may feel like this book barely scratches the surface of the topics.In that case, head to the library and read the Conclusion of the book. It summarizes every point for you. Then you can decide if you need to invest the time to read the whole book.

This book felt like a bit of a bait and switch to me. There were no "great (or even mediocre) ways to STOP PROCRASTINATING" listed in this book.Instead, it goes on and on about how to organize your thoughts around goals, which is fine and valid, but NOT what I assume someone looking for a book about measures to specifically address procrastination is trying to read about.The tone of this book comes across like "well, if you don't want to be poor anymore, go make some money!"Rather, "if you don't want to procrastinate any more, just go do something!" But then doesn't show you ways HOW to do something about getting over procrastination. "Slicing" big tasks up into smaller tasks is not addressing procrastination, its a task management strategy, that might be an effective way for someone who might be disorganized or overwhelmed but motivated to achieve a goal.And don't get me started on the "most important" task of the day. I work in an industry where everything is a constant fire, so all of it its "the most important" and someone in middle management like myself can either do what I'm told or quit... which is great if I happened to have the resources to just live my life or i guess have my own company. I would LOOOVE to apply time-blocking strategies to my work load, but that is not something that helps with procrastination. If procrastination is the problem, then you can time-block as the day is long and then put off what you were supposed to do in that block anyway.If it was titled something like "21 anecdotes that might help you re-prioritize your to-do list" or "21 adages about time management that may or may not apply to your field of work" that would have been a more accurate (and less attractive?) title...

The first 4 chapters, I got really into it. I love the approach, and really enjoyed it. But, I am a Stay At Home Mom, have not started my business yet, still have a ways to go on that, and the book title said nothing about it being for business people only. I read 4 more chapters, but none applied to me, nor did anything in the workbook, which I also bought. I'm sure once I've had my business for a few years, it will be great to come back and reread and work through, but for now, the rest of this book is utterly useless to me.

I'm the king of procrastination, and I needed this book to help me get out of my rut. It was suggested by a friend, and quite possibly saved my job. Many times we get "busy" doing the wrong things because we are avoiding the hard/important things. If that sounds like you, read the book.

I bought this book because Ruth Soukup is constantly mentioning it. The book is a quick read of 21 very short chapters. Each chapter details a "tip" for personal productivity and success. It reads a bit like a disjointed collection of 21 loosely related blog posts that someone stitched together into a book. Some of the advice is timeless and helpful - like do the hardest, most impactful thing first every day. Some of the advice seems dated and cheesy - as in it very much reminded me of business productivity seminars I attended in the early 90's. That may not seem "dated" but in terms of technology and business culture that is ancient history.I think what bugged me the most was the conflicting advice. A few chapters tell you not to work so hard, spend more time with your family, you don't get those years back, you don't want to arrive at old age and realize all you did was work, etc. Okay, that's great! Then there are other chapters repeatedly exhorting you to work harder, get to the office first, be the last one to leave, etc. So which is it??? This is why I said the book feels like a disjointed collection of favorite bits he's written over decades and no one bothered to notice some of the advice conflicts.Are there a few useful gems? Sure! You can read the summary chapter with all the tips summarized to get the entire value of this book.

EDIT 2: WOW! What a book once you grasp the main message. It hammers it home hundreds of times but it took me 3 times reading it to really get it. Yes, my productivity is doubled. "Determine your most important task, (based on your goals), work on it single mindedly until you finish it, and then move on to your next most important task."Re-read that again if necessary. That is what I got as the main message of the book, and I took it to heart, and it has given me so much peace of mind, confidence, and pride.I am so grateful for this book. It really delivered on the promise of getting more done in less time, at least that of importance.HIGHLY recommended. Will be buying this for my team.EDIT: After re-reading it, gotta say it is concise and powerful. Applying the simple principles and doing the thought exercises are very helpful!Great stuff from Brian Tracy as usual. He'll tell you the fundamentals of productivity! Not a ton of extrapolation and theory, just "do this, here's why." Will read again

Great book to get yourself organized and get your priorities straight. There really is some great advice and exercises in this book to get you on track. I was struggling with finding the time to work on my personal art projects and this was the kick in the butt I needed to get moving.

Great product. Improved my sleep, legs do not feel as tired by the end of the working day - (RN working 12 hrs shifts). Long delivery but they honestly warn about it. In fact it arrived sooner then promised. Great product, reliable seller. Greatly recommend.

It came with no instructions and I dont know how or when to use it.

Not really impressed at all. Of course the patch will turn dark, the tea leaves gets wet from being taped on your feet! Feel no difference

Package came without instructions. Had to figure it out by looking at the picture on package.They did work but not as effectively as the advertisement portrayed

This product really works. It relieved my pains, improved my sleep, and energy. I would recommend this product to family and friends.

I am trying to control Inflammation in my body. I have underlying condition that prescient me from taking med that help to relieve inflammations- other meds too expensive to afford. I pray that the patches will help the cause.

To help with my ankle . The Velcro didn’t even attach properly. And no refund . So what do I do with this?

These were the best of ones I have tried. Made a difference in my neurapathy!

This book did in 1 day what years of overthinking could never do. I have a plan of action to get all of my most important tasks done piece by piece until 100% of the goal is reached / job is finished. Simply, I now have more tools in my toolbox to implement my goals and get things done! My mind has been fuzzy and unclear for almost 2 years and now after reading this book in 1 Day my mind has reorganized into the well curated working active archive it once was. All I'll say is this...EAT THAT FROG 🐸! Get it done and if you don't know where to start read this book and your path will open up to you. This will definitely not be the last book I'll read of his. It's only the first. Thank you Mr. Tracy!

One of the more efficiently written books I have read. Full of useful information and concisely presented. Anyone who is already a high performer is probably already doing most of this and it’s common sense to them. If you are looking for the fundamentals to change your performance and get more done, this is a good script to follow. It is least to read and understand. But as pointed out, self-discipline is key.Although not mentioned explicitly, at least not to the point of giving credit, some of the presented concepts are based on practices that have been written about and presented by others. For instance, the practice of planning the night before and ABCDE is is the Franklin Planner method that I learned in the early 1990’s before Franklin and Covey merged to become FranklinCovey. I actually like the fact that he draws on practices that have been around for a while and have a large following and are proven successful.

Just recieved this beautiful belly ring in the mail today & put it in immediately. I love it. I recommend this! Will attach photo.Update 2/16/17:I had this in since the day I reviewed it & while it is very pretty, it becomes extremely uncomfortable and stabs into your skin. It definitely isn't made for continuous wear, it's made more for fashion only to wear for a few hours. Any more than that, you will have a very sore belly button!

I had this exact belly ring before, it matches my nipple rings. I had to replace it because I lost the top…The new one came off on the first night.

It’s very cute, but the ball gets lost so easily. I ordered it again when I lost the ball the first time I ordered it again, but I’ve just lost the second and I’m mad. It’s a strange screw IN top, and I always checked to make sure it was tight on, and then before I know it it’s suddenly missing. This happened within two months. I’ve had my belly button pierced nearly 7 years, and I’ve never had issues with balls falling off this frequently.

I bought this because I had the same ring for two years and I wanted a change. It is absolutely amazing and comfortable, and it's my birth stone!! The top is a little different, typically the top ball has a hole in it to screw it on, however the bar is the one with the hole. I've never had a ring like this before, but having acrylic nails I'm not complaining because it's way easier for me to put it on! I love this 10/10 would recommend and would buy one again in a different color. I LOVE body candy

I bought this about a month ago. The jewlery is very pretty. The only issue i had was the ball never stayed tight and it is now gone. I had to constantly check to make sure it wasnt loose. Never had this issue with a different belly button ring.

Been wearing this for like 5 months and I just took it out the other day and it wasn't tarnished a bit and still so shiny after cleaning it so I would say it is definitely worth the price if you want a sturdy belly button ring. Would highly recommend!

Very well made, comfortable and durable. Beautiful stone setting and perfect size!

They say 'synthetic opal' but it feels like plastic. Looks fine I guess.

I have been searching for a long time for a new piece of luggage to replace my VERY OLD cosmetic train case, and this is the perfect updated version for me. Although I don't use it for airline travel, it is indispensable for our long road trips in the car, along with the numerous back-and-forth trips to the summer cabin. The size, weight and sturdiness are similar to the traditional train case, I love the navy blue color, and it is roomy enough for all my toiletry items!

This case is gorgeous!! Shipping was a lot faster than expected. Very well made, sturdy and the lock works great! If you’re debating on getting this, take the plunge. You’ll be glad you did.

I had been looking for a vintage hard train case for makeup and products and everything nice was far above 100$ (more like 1000$...). So I tried this case, not sure what to expect. It's very lovely, looks like old school train cases from a bygone era, the interior is nice and the overall finish is surprisingly good quality. The case is not extremely hard, it's more flexible than metal or very hard plastic, but keeps it shape, and it's very light. Not sure how long it will last, but anyway it's not something I use very often, so it's perfect for my needs. Colour is just like picture. Customer service was excellent, as the mirror broke during delivery and they kindly and swiftly sent me another one. Shipping was pretty fast, considering it came from China. Overall very satisfied.

Awesome really liked how it is so addicting

I love this game so much,so addicting only thing that could be better is if was multiplayerU SHOULD PLAY

This game is like Space Invaders and that game is fun 👍👍👍

So Good👍👍👍👍It's the best It's such a good game I love it

This is very fun

Dumb

It takes me strategy out of the game

Worse gam ever on a tablet it said open I press a billion times and still don't work

I am not a procrastinator of any sort. I like to make lists and get those lists completed. It's absolutely a sense of accomplishment to do so. I purchased this book to actually assist in modifying some business practices in my office. I work as an Operations Manager for a home remodeling company in Seattle.There were ways the business could have had a better success rate had we changed the way of doing things, just a little! And this book provided me with a great way to tweak the internal processes just enough to better how each admin performed in their key roles. Great read!

The book is top notch if you follow the rules! Easy read. Stick with it and eat your biggest frog.

I always take these self growth books with a grain of salt. I do appreciate a lot of the advice from this one.

This is probably the first book I totally finished on Kindle, and when I read about "be a person regarded as doing things fast and quick", I accelerated and read it nonstop until the end. Magic happens!

Maybe I will get around to reading it someday.

An easy read, fun and motivating. It's filled with powerful life changeing instructional information all spot no. I would recommend to everyone, I don't know of anyone who doesn't struggle with one of lifes significant challenges procrastination!

Procrastination is the biggest nation.

Read the whole book and not one recipe on how to cook the frog.

Written very effectively. No theories on why you procrastinate. Just a lot of action items to get you focused. Quick read!

Was recommended by a friend, and I absolutely love this analogy!

The Book in 3 Sentences1. Work from prioritized task lists2. You are responsible for your own motivation, don't rely on outside sources3. Focus and time allocation are key to ensuring maximum productivityImpressionsThis was a really good book and probably my most higlighted. It provides clear actionable steps though it does tend to repeat itself quite a bit.Who Should Read It?Anyone that is struggling with procrastination or with take the vital first step in getting the important things done.How the Book Changed MeThis book has helped me to see the importance of doing the difficult tasks first and prioritizing my ugly frogs. I have already seen results in working from tasks lists in this way in that I find myself more motivated to get things checked off. I feel better about tackling the big things on my plate first as this gives me a sense of accomplishment.My Top 3 Quotes1. Failure to execute is one of the biggest problems in organizations today. Many people confuse activity with accomplishment. They talk continually, hold endless meetings, and make wonderful plans, but in the final analysis, no one does the job and get the results required.2. One of your top goals at work should be to get the highest possible return on your investment of your mental, emotional, and physical energy.3. In the final analysis, nothing will help yo more in your career than for you to get the reputation for being the kind of person who gets important work done quickly and well.

love this book helps with my time managing a lot

Perfect condition

There aren't many self help books that give you tools. They tell you what to change but not how. This book is interactive and when put into practice actually helps you change your life. I would recommend this to everyone in my life

This product was exactly what I wanted. Love it

Maybe a little cheesyBut helped me

I've always loved Brian Tracy. He's always put things in an accessible way that you can absorb the contest thoroughly. This book is hands down one of his best. If you have issues with procrastinating, this will help set the foundations to overcome it.

The title of this book, Eat That Frog, comes from the old adage, reportedly attributed to Mark Twain, that “If the first thing you do each morning is to eat a live frog, you can go through the day with the satisfaction of knowing that is probably the worst thing you’ll have to do all day long.”The frog of course, is a metaphor for your most important task, that will produce the most valuable result, often the one you are most likely to procrastinate on if you don’t do it now.I’m a fitness coach, so I like to review and share personal development and motivation books that are applicable to fitness as well as business and life in general. This book is mostly slanted to work, business, sales and financial success, but there are some general productivity ideas in the book that could apply to every area in life. If your health and fitness is what’s most important for you right now, then certainly a workout first thing in the morning could be your frog. (I recommend it).I’ve followed Brian since 1993 and have had the 2001 hardcover edition since it was first published. I recently picked up the newest edition. The new update includes two extra chapters, the first with tips on how to use technology to remind yourself of what is most important and protect yourself from what is least important. The second offers advice for maintaining focus in the modern era of constant distractions. (Certainly useful since the internet was in its infancy and life was much slower-paced 20 years ago).Even the new expanded edition is still a short book at only 145 pages. Each chapter is the length of an article so it’s easy to read. It’s the type of book you can finish in two or three sittings (one if you’re ambitious), or you can slowly get through it one chapter at a time in spare minutes here and there.As mentioned above, this is a book about being more productive including how to stop procrastinating. But this is not just a book about time management or productivity (how to get more done), it’s a book about how to choose and tackle priorities (how to get the most important thing done first). There are many books about time management but not many about how to prioritize. Eat That Frog is one of the few.I agree with Brian that becoming a master of choosing the most important task and focusing on that before anything else is one of the most valuable skills you can possess. It can exponentially increase your success in any area of life.This is not the most in-depth book on these topics. There are other excellent reads that go deeper. For example, Brian gives one short chapter to the 80-20 rule. Richard Koch wrote an entire book on it. Some of my other favorites on focus and prioritization include The One Thing, Deep Work And Essentialism. Nir Eyal’s Indistractible is also a good read about how to stay focused in today’s world.But if you’re looking for a short, accessible primer on the most important fundamentals of productivity, prioritization, organization and focus, a book with absolutely zero space wasted on fluff, then you won’t be disappointed with Eat That Frog. Based on how often I’ve seen this book recommended and based on rankings, it looks like this is still one of Brian Tracy’s most popular titles.

Actually found this book through another program I've been working on. Focus is the key. Would have liked the info to relate to other lines of work besides just office and sales though. But all in all the principles can apply to all,

First chapters awesome and I have to finish this book. I want the flash cards too

I took my time and read one chapter at a time and gave myself time to think about it. I found, as a spectacular procrastinator, that this book provided a lot of great options of how to overcome this repetitious issue. I've already started working on trying to incorporate some of the things I learned reading this book and they've really helped. Sometimes it helps to see the breakdown of the options - a step by step guide to make things easier. If you suffer from procrastination (and be honest with yourself - if you do, it's not unheard of), then I definitely recommend you read this book. If a chapter speaks to you, before moving on in the book - try what you learned in that chapter. Will be keeping this book on-hand to re-read!

I love the method he gives and how to apply pressure to yourself in order to be better and more effective. A definite book for somebody who procrastinates

This is my ALL time favorite book. I continue to purchase this year after year for my team. It’s always a great reminder to say “eat that frog” every morning to make sure the one thing starting at you gets completed. Very simple but impactful read. This book is a game changer for anyone with task! I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

This book has some great pointers that can help anyone be more productive with their lives. It's a relatively short read that engages the reader enough to take the majority of points in small bite sized chunks that allow for hungry readers to finish in good time and allow for the absorbtion of great lessons and pointers by the author.HIghly recommended for those who wish to take their lives to the next level; be it at work, and home, or both!

I finally found the literature that I like, interesting book for me, there are many tips about planning, next I am going to read “Your Next Five Moves” by Patrick Bet-David. Thanks to Mr. Tracy, really enjoyed reading.

The book provides a good summary of actions and habits needed to improve time management and become more productive in your life. While being repetitive at times, I still believe that Brian has kept the message straight and simple.Take action on these valuable lessons and you’ll definitely make a difference.

I checked this book out at the library for my 13 year old son. Well actually it was the one for students. He said he really liked it and would like to get it for Christmas. SO i bought this one. Im not sure the difference between this and the student one but figured they are pretty similar and went ahead and got this one instead. I have not read it yet but i am going to as soon as i get done reading the book i am currently into. I am excited to start reading this!

I love all of it! I read this book in a few days and implemented its advice right away. I feel productive as I follow the wise words within this book. I've already recommended it to several friends of mine.

I took my time and read one chapter at a time and gave myself time to think about it. I found, as a spectacular procrastinator, that this book provided a lot of great options of how to overcome this repetitious issue. I've already started working on trying to incorporate some of the things I learned reading this book and they've really helped. Sometimes it helps to see the breakdown of the options - a step by step guide to make things easier. If you suffer from procrastination (and be honest with yourself - if you do, it's not unheard of), then I definitely recommend you read this book. If a chapter speaks to you, before moving on in the book - try what you learned in that chapter. Will be keeping this book on-hand to re-read!

Great book and easy to implement in my life! This came highly recommended by a highly respected goal oriented presentation. I ordered it immediately and began implementing what I learned!

All the ways to beat procrastination are great. Picked a few and already seeing results. Creative procrastination and time chunks.

Used this item for a research project.

I like that the massager was affordable. It’s small enough to pack in your suitcase if you are traveling. But the massager we received was pretty squeaky and loud, which was not great.

Generally works okay. The problem is that the design does not allow enough space for the operator's hand (even my slim hand). Invariably, one's hand scrapes against the knobby wheels. - not comfortable. Also, another improvement would be to make the handle a little wider to allow for more stable use (tendency to pivot)

Walking different after total knee and came down with sciatica. Chiropractor used one very similar.

It’s really great for spinal massager

It didn't comfortable enough when I maneuver compare to other similiar looking pieces.

Product came broken not very happy would like a new one that's not broken at no cost to me and i will reevaluate product

Cheap quality…

Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time
⭐ 4.7 💛 6036
kindle: $2.99
paperback: $0.14
hardcover: $97.00
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