The Art of Eating Your Frog
Each of our daily routines is comprised of two types of tasks: the things we want to do and the things we should do. Understanding how to balance these two categories is the key to unlocking productivity, creativity, and fulfillment.
The tasks we want to do are like tiramisu—indulgent, delightful, and something we crave more of. These are the activities that make time fly: hobbies, creative projects, spending time with loved ones, or even binge-watching a favorite show. With these tasks, the problem is never motivation—it’s scarcity. We feel like the day is too short, and we’re left wishing for more hours to savor these moments. Tiramisu tasks energize us, spark joy, and remind us why life feels vibrant.
Then there are the tasks we should do—the frogs. These are the obligations we procrastinate, postpone, or tackle half-heartedly. Frogs are the unglamorous chores: replying to tedious emails, paying bills, exercising when you’d rather stay in bed, or preparing a work presentation, seeing your dentist. They’re often necessary, but they come with a mental weight. Unlike tiramisu, frogs don’t tempt us; they intimidate us. The longer we avoid them, the larger they loom, draining our mental energy and amplifying stress.
Avoiding frogs doesn’t make them disappear. In fact, neglected frogs multiply. A missed deadline becomes a crisis. An ignored chore snowballs into chaos. Worse, procrastination erodes self-trust. Every time we delay a frog, we reinforce the belief that we can’t rely on ourselves. And worse, with the frogs hovering on your mind, you can’t even truly enjoy a piece of tiramisu.
Productivity isn’t about eliminating frogs—it’s about learning to swallow them first, so they stop croaking in the background of your mind. Tackle your most daunting task early. Not only does this free your mental bandwidth, but it also builds momentum for tackling harder tasks.
Another important tricks you can use is to use “tiramisu” as rewards for conquering a frog. This creates a positive feedback loop, training your brain to associate things you are trying to avoid with gratification, so that you are more motivated to complete them.
True productivity depends on the balance of the two sides of the coin: Frogs build discipline, responsibility, and growth. Tiramisu fuels passion, joy, and purpose. By mastering the art of “eating your frog,” you create space to savor the tiramisu without guilt or distraction.
Tomorrow, identify your frog. Then, eat it first. You’ll find the rest of your day tastes sweeter.