Tips for Tackling Hard Tasks First

"Do the hard thing first" Procrastination only makes difficult tasks harder. But by tackling the "hard thing" first thing in your day, you unlock a wave of productivity and emotional well-being. "The cold water doesn't get warmer if you jump late." Here's why, and how you can make it work for you: Why "Eating the Frog" Benefits You Imagine your most dreaded task as a large, unappetizing frog. In the productivity world, this is often called "the frog." Swallowing it whole at the start of your day, like Benjamin Franklin famously advocated, offers several advantages: - Reduced Procrastination: The longer you wait, the bigger and more daunting the task seems. Tackling it first eliminates the mental burden and frees up your mind for other activities. - Enhanced Focus: With the "frog" out of the way, you approach other tasks with newfound clarity and energy. Knowing you've conquered the hardest hurdle empowers you to tackle anything else. - Boosted Confidence: Completing the "hard thing" early instills a sense of accomplishment and self-belief. This positive momentum carries throughout your day, fueling motivation and productivity. - Improved Time Management: Knowing your toughest task is done allows you to allocate remaining time more efficiently and avoid last-minute scrambling. - How to "Eat Your Frog" Effectively While the principle is simple, implementing it requires a strategic approach: - Identify the True "Frog": Not all tasks are created equal. Choose the one that truly demands your focus and evokes the most resistance. It could be a complex project, a difficult conversation, or a dreaded administrative task. - Break it Down: Large tasks can be overwhelming. Divide the "frog" into smaller, more manageable chunks. This makes it less intimidating and provides mini-victories along the way. - Create a Ritual: Designate a specific time in your day, preferably early, to tackle the "frog." This could be the first hour after waking up or before checking emails. Consistency helps build the habit and prime your mind for the challenge. - Minimize Distractions: Eliminate distractions like social media or notifications during your "frog" time. Immerse yourself fully in the task to maximize focus and efficiency. - Reward Yourself: Completing the "frog" deserves recognition. Celebrate your accomplishment with a small reward, like a walk in nature or a delicious treat. This reinforces positive associations with tackling tough tasks. By strategically conquering your "frog" each day, you unlock a wave of productivity, confidence, and control over your time. So, take the plunge, embrace the challenge, and watch your day transform. Illustration from the book: The Art of Laziness #motivation #productivity #growth

Not enough hours in the day to start or grow your business?  That’s B.S. and here’s why… You’re wasting time. You’re bogged down by pointless meetings when you could be doing deep work. You’re replying to emails that have nothing to do with your KPIs.  You doom scroll social media when you could be building your dream. It’s not about having more hours. It’s about making the hours you have count. If you’re serious about taking control and driving your business forward, it’s time to change your approach. Stop letting time slip through your fingers. Here’s how to take control: 1. Make an “important things” list: Write down the 3-5 key tasks that push you closer to your goals. Schedule them. Prioritize them. Get them done. No excuses. 2. Answer only emails that serve your goals: Don’t start your day reacting to others. Focus on what YOU need to achieve. 3. Tackle hard tasks first: Attack cognitively demanding tasks when your mind is sharpest. 4. Dedicate two days a week to “Deep Work”: Give your brain time to create, not just react. Intense focus wins. 5. Allow yourself 4 hours of work before you take any meetings. Limit last-minute meetings to urgent matters only. 6. Optimize meetings: - State the goal. - Make decisions with concrete next steps. - Assign tasks to specific people. - End the meeting quickly. Your success depends on how you use your time. Stop making excuses. Create an “important things” list. Answer only goal-aligned emails. Tackle hard tasks first. Dedicate time for deep work. Work 4 hours before meetings. Optimize meetings with clear goals. Follow these steps to get “more" hours in your day. Own your time. Control your schedule. Get it done. Which rule are you going to start using right now? Tell me below to make it stick.

Don’t keep that head down!!!! • • • Dear Students, I’m going to be honest with you. I believe it's crucial to have candid discussions about the realities of the professional world. While it's inspiring to hear about its many opportunities, it's equally important to acknowledge its challenges. We must cultivate realistic expectations as we venture into the professional realm. With that said, I want to share that there are moments when I feel far from having it all figured out. Social media often portrays us in a positive light, emphasizing our worth and value. Yet, there are instances when I find myself overwhelmed, struggling to keep up with my commitments and feeling like I'm falling short. Despite these challenges, it's essential not to let anxiety immobilize us. Here are some strategies I use to navigate such times in my personal career: 1. Start with a deep breath. Remember, no matter the outcome, the sun will rise tomorrow. This perspective can provide solace during moments of uncertainty. 2. Gain a Birdseye view. Many situations seem daunting because we overcomplicate them. Stepping back and observing from a distance helps break tasks into manageable steps. 3. Knock out the hard things first. As they say, “eat the frog.” Meaning, don’t procrastinate on the things that might require the most of your brain capacity to complete. You don’t want to find yourself even more exhausted and feeling incapable when you start to “eat the frog.” 4. Cultivate a supportive community. Surround yourself with people you can lean on during difficult times. Knowing you're not alone in your struggles can provide immense relief. 5. Be kind to yourself, but also hold yourself accountable. It's okay to stumble; failure is a part of growth. However, instead of merely accepting failure, challenge yourself to learn from it and strive for improvement. • • • Your career journey will undoubtedly have its share of stressors and tough days. How you respond to these challenges will shape your future. Remember, not everything is sunshine and rainbows, but with resilience and perseverance, everything will be okay. Your recruiter friend, Kasey💕