Should You "Eat the Frog" to Start Your Day?
Have you ever tried frog legs?
I ate them on a family trip to Florida. Wasn’t a fan. (Side note, they are a delicacy in some cultures!)
Why are we talking about eating frogs? Because it’s a popular task initiation strategy in the productivity space.
"Eating the frog" suggests starting your day with your hardest task.
In theory, we have the most energy at the beginning of the day, unburdened by meetings, emails, or distractions. By tackling the hardest task first, we use that accomplishment as momentum to carry us through the day.
This is a powerful strategy for many. It doesn’t work for me. And, it doesn't work for many neurodivergent people.
I created a different strategy. One that works for my brain.
Today, I will teach you how I create energy and drive to tackle difficult tasks by "eating flies".
Let's dive in.
Should You "Eat the Frog" at the Start Your Day?
Everyone’s brain is unique. What works for some may not work for you. Some people like to "eat the frog" first thing in the morning. Others, like me, need a warm-up.
I don’t "eat frogs" for breakfast.
I "eat flies".
I begin my day with easy, low-energy tasks. It’s a warm-up for my brain.
This builds momentum. I get dopamine flowing, feel accomplished, and develop an “I can do this” mindset.
Then, I use the momentum to roll into a more daunting task or project.
Rinse and repeat. This is how I start my workdays.
Why Does "Eating the Frog" Work for Most Neurotypical People?
"Eating the frog" works for most neurotypical people because it leverages their natural ability to prioritize and focus.
Completing this "frog" task creates a sense of accomplishment, boosting motivation and making the rest of the day’s tasks more manageable.
Additionally, neurotypical individuals often have the executive function skills to break down complex tasks, manage stress, and maintain focus, making this approach effective for them.
Why Adult Executive Function Coaches Should NOT Tell Their Clients to "Eat the Frog"
"Eating the frog" often doesn't work for neurodivergent adults, like adults with ADHD. It clashes with the unique challenges they face related to executive function.
Here's why:
Difficulty Prioritizing: Determining which task is the most important, making it challenging to identify the "frog" that needs to be eaten first.
Task Initiation Challenges: The effort required to "eat the frog" can lead to procrastination rather than productivity.
Emotional Regulation: For someone with ADHD, the emotional response of a "frog" can be more intense, making it harder to dive into the task.
Now, It’s Your Turn
If "eating the frog" doesn't work for you, try "eating flies".
Think of it like an Olympic sprinter. Before a race, do they arrive at the starting line and sprint at full speed at the sound of the gun?
Nope!
They perform light stretches and jogs. When it's time for the race, their bodies and minds are prepared. "Eating flies" has the same impact.
Here's how you can test it out:
1. Start small
Begin your day with a few low-energy tasks and build momentum. This can help you feel accomplished and ready to take on bigger challenges.
Instead of diving into that complex report, begin the day by making coffee, checking your calendar, or organizing your workspace.
2. Experiment with different strategies
Try "eating the frog" and "eating the flies" to see which approach works best for you.
While many neurodivergent minds do best by eating flies, everyone is different. Try "eating the frog" for one week and "eating flies" the next.
3. Reflect and adjust
Reflect on your energy levels, mood, and productivity. Compare your reflections from both strategies to learn how your brain operates.
Occasionally, I "eat the frog"—especially when I have a tough conversation or a deadline looming by noon. It’s hard to start, but once it’s done, I’m relieved and can tackle the rest of my day with a clearer mind.
Summary
If you struggle to "eat the frog", if it feels unappetizing, and you cannot bring yourself to do it, try the opposite. "Eat the flies".
Take care of the small tasks that feel easy or require low effort and energy first. Intentionally use the momentum from completing those tasks to move on to something more difficult.
Some brains need a warm-up. There's nothing wrong with that.
A Question For You
How does your brain operate? Do you "eat frogs" or "flies" at the start of the day? Leave a comment below!
A quick thank you to Stefan Oste who inspired the “eating flies” analogy!
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About the Author
Eric Kaufmann, M.Ed is a Professional Educational Therapist and Certified Executive Function Coach. He is the Co-founder of UpSkill Specialists, an online adult executive function coaching company designed to guide adults in overcoming disorganization, procrastination, and productivity roadblocks so they can unlock their potential. Eric is also the founder of Elevate Learning Solutions, an Educational Therapy practice located in San Clemente, CA, that guides students with neurological differences toward becoming independent and confident students and self-leaders.