Prioritisation Tactics from ‘Eat That Frog!’: A Must-Read for Entrepreneurs

In the fast-paced business world, entrepreneurs often find themselves overwhelmed with tasks, deadlines, and responsibilities. The ability to prioritise effectively can make the difference between success and failure. Brian Tracy’s bestselling book, “Eat That Frog! 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time,” offers invaluable insights and practical strategies for mastering the art of prioritization. This comprehensive review will explore the key concepts presented in the book and how they can be applied to enhance entrepreneurial success.

Understanding the ‘Eat That Frog’ Concept

The title of Tracy’s book is inspired by a quote often attributed to Mark Twain: “Eat a live frog first thing in the morning, and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.” In the context of productivity and time management, the “frog” represents your most important and often most challenging task of the day. By tackling this task first, you set a powerful tone for the rest of your day and ensure that your most crucial work gets done.

Tracy argues that by consistently “eating your”frog”—that is, completing your most significant task before anything else—you can dramatically improve your productivity and success. This approach helps entrepreneurs overcome procrastination, build momentum, and achieve their most important goals.

The psychology of procrastination

Before diving into the specific tactics outlined in “Eat That Frog!” it’s crucial to understand why we procrastinate in the first place. Tracy explores the psychological factors that contribute to procrastination, including:

1. Fear of failure
2. Perfectionism
3. Overwhelm
4. Lack of clarity
5. Low energy or motivation

By recognising these underlying causes, entrepreneurs can better address their procrastination tendencies and implement effective strategies to overcome them.

21 Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done

Tracy presents 21 practical techniques for improving productivity and overcoming procrastination. Let’s explore each of these methods in detail:

1. Set the table.

The first step in effective prioritisation is gaining clarity on your goals and objectives. Tracy emphasises the importance of writing down your goals and creating a clear plan of action. For entrepreneurs, this means:

• Defining your business vision and mission
• Setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals
• Breaking down long-term objectives into actionable steps
• Regularly reviewing and updating your goals

By “setting the table” with a clear vision and plan, you create a roadmap for success and make it easier to identify your most important tasks.

2. Plan every day in advance.

Successful entrepreneurs know the value of planning. Tracy recommends dedicating time each day to plan for the next. This practice allows you to:

• Identify your most important tasks for the following day.
• Allocate your time and resources effectively.
• Reduce decision fatigue by pre-determining your priorities.
• Start each day with a clear sense of purpose and direction.

By planning in advance, you’ll be better prepared to tackle your “frog” first thing in the morning.

3. Apply the 80/20 rule to everything.

The Pareto Principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, states that roughly 80% of effects come from 20% of causes. In business, this often translates to:

• 80% of your results come from 20% of your activities.
• 80% of your profits come from 20% of your customers.
• 80% of your problems come from 20% of your employees or processes.

By identifying the vital few tasks that contribute most to your success, you can focus your energy on high-impact activities and dramatically improve your productivity.

4. Consider the consequences.

Every task or project has potential long-term consequences, both positive and negative. Tracy encourages readers to think about the future impact of their actions (or inactions). For entrepreneurs, this means:

• Evaluating the potential return on investment for different activities
• Considering how current decisions might affect future opportunities
• Assessing the risks of procrastination or neglecting important tasks

By focusing on the long-term consequences, you can make better decisions about where to invest your time and energy.

5. Practice creative procrastination.

While procrastination is generally viewed negatively, Tracy introduces the concept of “creative procrastination.” This involves deliberately choosing to postpone or eliminate low-value tasks to focus on high-priority activities. Entrepreneurs can apply this to:

• Delegating or outsourcing non-essential tasks
• Saying “no” to projects or commitments that don’t align with core business goals
• Streamlining processes to eliminate unnecessary steps or activities

By creatively procrastinating on less important tasks, you free up time and energy for your most critical work.

6. Use the ABCDE Method continuously.

Tracy presents a simple yet powerful prioritisation technique called the ABCDE method:

A: Tasks you must do; serious consequences if not completed; B: Tasks you should do; mild consequences if not completed; C: Tasks that would be nice to do; no consequences if not completed; D: Tasks you can delegate to someone else. E: Tasks you can eliminate entirely

By consistently applying this method to your to-do list, you ensure that you’re always focussing on your most important and impactful tasks.

7. Focus on Key Results Areas

Every job or business has key result areas (KRAs)—the critical activities that determine success. For entrepreneurs, KRAs might include:

• Product development
• Marketing and sales
• Customer service
• Financial management
• Team leadership

By identifying your KRAs and ensuring that you’re dedicating sufficient time and resources to each, you can drive significant improvements in your overall business performance.

8. Apply the Law of Three

Tracy suggests that you identify the three most important tasks in your work and personal life. By focusing on these critical activities, you can achieve extraordinary results. For entrepreneurs, this might involve:

• Identifying the three most crucial aspects of your business strategy
• Determining the three most important daily activities for driving growth
• Focussing on the three key metrics that best indicate your business’s health

This laser focus on your most important priorities can lead to exponential improvements in productivity and success.

9. Prepare Thoroughly Before You Begin

Proper preparation is the key to efficient task completion. Before starting any significant project or task, Tracy recommends:

• Gathering all necessary materials and resources
• Clearing your workspace of distractions
• Reviewing your goals and objectives for the task
• Breaking the project down into manageable steps

By investing time in preparation, you can work more efficiently and avoid costly interruptions or delays.

10. Take it one oil barrel at a time.

Large, complex projects can be overwhelming. Tracy uses the analogy of crossing a desert one oil barrel at a time to illustrate the importance of breaking big tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. For entrepreneurs, this means:

• Dividing large projects into smaller milestones
• Setting intermediate deadlines for each phase of a project
• Focussing on one step at a time rather than getting overwhelmed by the entire process

This approach makes daunting tasks more approachable and helps maintain momentum throughout long-term projects.

11. Upgrade Your Key Skills

Continuous learning and skill development are crucial for entrepreneurial success. Tracy emphasises the importance of identifying and improving the skills that are most relevant to your key result areas. This might involve:

• Attending industry conferences or workshops
• Taking online courses or pursuing relevant certifications
• Reading books and articles related to your field
• Seeking mentorship or coaching from experienced professionals

By continuously upgrading your skills, you become more efficient and effective at your most important tasks.

12. Leverage Your Special Talents

Every entrepreneur has unique strengths and talents. Tracy encourages readers to identify their areas of excellence and focus on leveraging these skills. This might involve:

• Delegating tasks that don’t align with your strengths
• Structuring your role to maximise the use of your best abilities
• Seeking out opportunities that allow you to showcase your unique talents

By playing to your strengths, you can achieve better results with less effort and enjoy greater satisfaction in your work.

13. Identify Your Key Constraints

In any business or project, there are usually one or two factors that limit the speed at which you can achieve your goals. Tracy advises identifying these key constraints and focussing your efforts on resolving them. For entrepreneurs, this might involve:

• Analysing bottlenecks in your business processes
• Identifying resource limitations (e.g., time, money, personnel)
• Addressing skill gaps within your team

By systematically eliminating or mitigating these constraints, you can accelerate your progress towards your goals.

14. Put the pressure on yourself.

Self-motivation is a critical skill for entrepreneurs. Tracy suggests creating a sense of urgency by setting deadlines and holding yourself accountable. This can involve:

• Setting ambitious but achievable goals
• Creating public commitments to increase accountability
• Rewarding yourself for meeting important deadlines
• Visualising the positive outcomes of completing key tasks

By applying positive pressure to yourself, you can overcome inertia and maintain high levels of productivity.

15. Maximise Your Personal Powers

Your physical and mental state significantly impacts your productivity. Tracy emphasises the importance of maintaining peak performance through:

• Regular exercise and physical activity
• Proper nutrition and hydration
• Adequate sleep and rest
• Stress management techniques like meditation or deep breathing

By taking care of your personal health and well-being, you ensure that you have the energy and focus needed to tackle your most important tasks.

16. Motivate Yourself into Action

Maintaining high levels of motivation is crucial for long-term success. Tracy offers several strategies for self-motivation, including:

• Positive self-talk and affirmations
• Visualising successful outcomes
• Surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people
• Celebrating small wins and milestones

By cultivating a positive mindset and maintaining high levels of motivation, you can persist through challenges and achieve your goals.

17. Get Out of the Technological Time Sinks

While technology can be a powerful tool for productivity, it can also be a significant source of distraction. Tracy advises being mindful of how you use technology and avoiding time sinks, like:

• Excessive social media use
• Constant email checking
• Mindless web browsing

For entrepreneurs, this might involve:

• Setting specific times for checking and responding to emails
• Using website blockers or app timers to limit distracting activities
• Implementing a “digital detox” period each day or week

By managing your technology use effectively, you can reclaim valuable time for your most important tasks.

18. Slice and dice the task.

Similar to the “one oil barrel at a time” approach, this technique involves breaking tasks down into their smallest components. By doing so, you can:

• Make large projects less intimidating.
• Identify quick wins to build momentum.
• More accurately estimate the time requirements for each step.

For entrepreneurs, this might involve creating detailed project plans or using task management tools to break down complex initiatives into actionable items.

19. Create large chunks of time.

To tackle your most important and challenging tasks, you need uninterrupted blocks of time. Tracy recommends creating these “time chunks” by:

• Scheduling specific times for focused work
• Using time-blocking techniques to allocate your day
• Minimising interruptions during your peak productivity hours

For entrepreneurs, this might mean setting “do not disturb” hours, working from a quiet location, or batching similar tasks together to maximise efficiency.

20. Develop a Sense of Urgency

Successful entrepreneurs often have a bias towards action. Tracy emphasises the importance of developing a sense of urgency in your work. This involves:

• Making quick decisions when possible
• Avoiding overthinking or analytical paralysis
• Taking immediate action on important tasks

By cultivating a sense of urgency, you can overcome procrastination and maintain momentum in your business.

21. Single-handle every task

The final principle Tracy presents is the power of focus. By committing to working on a single task until completion, you can:

• Achieve a state of flow and peak productivity.
• Avoid the inefficiency of context switching.
• Build a sense of accomplishment that motivates further action.

For entrepreneurs, this might mean dedicating specific days or time blocks to particular aspects of their business, allowing for deep focus and substantial progress.

Applying ‘Eat That Frog’ Principles in Your Business

Now that we’ve explored the 21 techniques presented in “Eat That Frog!” let’s discuss how entrepreneurs can implement these principles in their daily business operations:

1. Morning Routine: Start your day by reviewing your goals and identifying your “frog”—the m most important task for the day. Commit to tackling this task before anything else.
2. Weekly Planning: Set aside time each week to plan your upcoming week. Use the ABCDE method to prioritise your tasks and ensure you’re focussing on high-impact activities.
3. Time Blocking: Structure your calendar to include dedicated time blocks for your most important tasks. Protect these time blocks from interruptions and distractions.
4. Continuous Improvement: Regularly assess your key result areas and identify skills that need upgrading. Invest in your personal and professional development to enhance your effectiveness.
5. Team Management: Apply the prioritisation principles when delegating tasks to your team. Help your employees identify their own “frogs” and create systems to support focused work.
6. Technology Management: Implement systems to manage email, social media, and other potential technological distractions. Use tools that enhance productivity rather than hinder it.
7. Self-Care: Recognise the importance of personal health and well-being in maintaining high productivity. Incorporate exercise, healthy eating, and stress management techniques into your routine.
8. Accountability: Create systems of accountability for yourself and your team. This might include regular check-ins, public goal-setting, or partnering with a mentor or coach.
9. Continuous Evaluation: Regularly review your progress and adjust your prioritisation strategies as needed. Be willing to eliminate or delegate tasks that don’t align with your core business objectives.

The Impact of Effective Prioritisation on Entrepreneurial Success

Implementing the principles from “Eat That Frog!” can have a transformative effect on your business. By consistently focussing on your most important tasks and overcoming procrastination, you can:

1. Accelerate Growth: By dedicating more time and energy to high-impact activities, you can drive faster business growth and achieve your goals more quickly.
2. Improve Decision-Making: With a clear understanding of your priorities, you can make better decisions about where to invest your time and resources.
3. Enhance Work-Life Balance: By becoming more efficient in your work, you can create more time for personal pursuits and reduce stress.
4. Boost Confidence: Consistently completing important tasks builds self-confidence and motivates further action.
5. Increase Profitability: By focusing on the 20% of activities that drive 80% of your results, you can significantly improve your business’s bottom line.
6. Foster Innovation: With more time and mental energy available, you can dedicate resources to creative problem-solving and innovation.
7. Improve Team Performance: By modelling effective prioritisation and time management, you can inspire your team to higher levels of productivity.

Potential challenges and how to overcome them

While the principles in “Eat That Frog!” are powerful, implementing them can present challenges. Here are some common obstacles entrepreneurs might face and strategies to overcome them:

1. Resistance to Change: Changing ingrained habits can be difficult. Start small by implementing one or two techniques at a time, and gradually build up to more comprehensive changes.
2. Interruptions and Emergencies: In the dynamic world of business, unexpected issues can arise. Build buffer time into your schedule to handle unforeseen tasks without derailing your priorities.
3. Perfectionism: The desire for perfection can lead to procrastination. Focus on progress over perfection, and remind yourself that done is often better than perfect.
4. Lack of Clarity: If you’re struggling to identify your “frog,” take time to clarify your goals and key result areas. Seek input from mentors or team members if needed.
5. Burnout: Intense focus on high-priority tasks can lead to burnout if not balanced with rest and self-care. Remember to incorporate breaks and downtime into your schedule.
6. Team Alignment: Ensuring your entire team is on board with new prioritisation strategies can be challenging. Invest time in training and communication to help everyone understand and implement the new approach.

Conclusion: Embracing the ‘Eat That Frog’ Mindset

Brian Tracy’s “Eat That Frog!” offers a comprehensive toolkit for entrepreneurs looking to enhance their productivity and achieve greater success. By implementing the 21 techniques outlined in the book, business owners can overcome procrastination, focus on high-impact activities, and drive significant growth in their ventures.

The key to success lies not just in understanding these principles but in consistently applying them day after day. As Tracy emphasises, developing the habit of “eating your frog” first thing each morning can lead to extraordinary results over time.

For entrepreneurs willing to embrace this mindset and commit to ongoing self-improvement, the rewards can be substantial. Increased productivity, better decision-making, improved work-life balance, and accelerated business growth are all within reach.

As you begin to implement these strategies in your own business, remember that change takes time. Be patient with yourself, celebrate small victories, and stay committed to the process.