Did you open your to do list and there’s something you’re dreading to work on? But you kinda have to do it anyway?
That’s the ‘eat the frog’ thing people talk about.
When I first heard the term I was grossed out and a bit curious. I asked Google what this English phrase really meant and realised “Ah, it just means you start with the task you don’t love and get it over and done with first thing!”
Us Germans say “Erst die Arbeit, dann das Vergnügen!” (First comes work, then pleasure/leisure)
So far so good, I could get behind that sentiment. And I actually recommend it now.
- That tricky email you need to send that the recipient won’t love to receive? Get it out there asap.
- Finally doing your expenses from the last couple of months or risk not getting reimbursed? Money matters, so file those receipts.
It’s a really good idea to tackle those tasks, because otherwise they end up being like an open drawer that you bump your shin against every time you walk past.
I’ve found it actually gets easier with time. Once you ‘eat the frog’ the first time, you’ll usually realise, it wasn’t that bad, so you’re more likely to go ahead and repeat the idea the next day. And before you know it you’ve crossed several non-fun things off your list. How is that for progress?
Give it a go and tackle the thing you’ve been avoiding. Do it right now.
Have a great weekend!
Eva
P.S.: When it comes to food, I absolutely go the other way. I eat the best thing first, because then you’re always eating the best thing. No matter what’s left on my plate, I eat what I enjoy first. Different effect and a very fun way to eat.
P.P.S.: If there are too many things you dread on your work to-do list, now could be the perfect time to assess where you’re at in your job and career. Grab time on my calendar for a discovery call and tackle that.