“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.”
We all want to do things well and use our time efficiently. However, in today’s world, we often feel called to do several things at once and have to-do lists that are as long as we are tall. This frantic pace is not great for our work or personal lives. Taking the time to figure out what tasks are most important and to do them efficiently can lead to not just better productivity, but a better overall life. Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time addresses how we can take a look at our lives and do just that.
I heard about Eat That Frog! years ago but didn’t get around to reading it. Last week, I heard about it again on The Crystal Paine Show podcast and went to see if it was available from my local library. I checked it out as an ebook from Libby and saw it was a relatively short book.
In 21 chapters, the author gives great tips on how to examine, plan and execute the tasks that are important in your job and life. There are chapters on procrastination, planning a day, eliminating unneeded tasks, focusing on one thing at a time, upgrading your skills, motivation and even how to use technology but not be mastered by technology. I think one of the most profound ideas is to make a list of the top three things that you contribute the best and most to in each area of your life. Then, see what you do in those areas that you could stop doing to free up time to focus on those main three areas.
Eat That Frog! is a great book for anyone high school age or older. It gives solid tips in how to be efficient with your time and set priorities. While I do many of these things already, it was a good reminder for me to put the important things first in my day.
How do you ensure you do the important things on your list? Share in the comments!