Eat the Frog: Why We Procrastinate and How to Stop

Just the thought: Yucky! Eat the frog? I don’t think so.

But—that’s what the experts say to do.

That’s the topic of Brian Tracy’s bestseller Eat That Frog! that provides “21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less.” I think we’d all like to accomplish this, too, but not have to endure the frog—nor eat the frog.

But—it works. I can vouch for that.

What I dreaded most, and was willing to procrastinate another day or two even if I could not justify, I was willing to keep doing so.

Until—one day I decided to do it: Eat the frog!

And when I did, it felt like weights had been lifted. I finally understood, I saw the light. I was a believer. Most of all, I felt good.

But—I hate to admit: It was a one-hit wonder.

To eat the frog has probably been accomplished only a few times in my life despite knowing the benefits.

I wonder why that is?

I could blame it on avoiding biology not only in high school, but college too. I knew I could not bring myself to cut open a worm, let alone a cute little frog!

Well, they’re really not that cute. Perhaps, the tadpoles.

Yet throughout history, at least in our fairytales, the poor frog has been maligned. You always had to kiss the frog to get to your prince, after all, implying the frog was the negative—and ugly—the bridge to overcome until you were rewarded with your handsome prince.

I wonder if we were just lazy when it came to procrastinating, and that's why we're always avoiding the frog? Time to visit AI buddy ChatGPT, and pose this question: Why Do We Avoid Eating the Frog? There has to be a reason. Here are its responses:

Top 10 Reasons People Avoid “Eating the Frog” :

1. Fear of Failure – Worrying they won’t succeed at the hardest task.
2. Perfectionism – Wanting conditions to be “just right” before starting.
3. Overwhelm – The task feels too big or complex.
4. Lack of Clarity – Not knowing where to begin.
5. Low Confidence – Doubting their ability to handle it.
6. Discomfort Avoidance – Choosing easier, more pleasant tasks.
7. Poor Time Management – Getting distracted by “busy work.”
8. Instant Gratification – Preferring short-term rewards over long-term gains.
9. Negative Mindset – Viewing the task as punishment instead of opportunity.
10. Procrastination Habit – A learned behavior that repeats itself

Now that we’ve got the reasons out of the of the way, what can we do to change such behavior?

10 Ways to Change This Behavior :

1. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps – Make the “frog” less intimidating.
2. Use the Two-Minute Rule – Start with a tiny action to create momentum.
3. Set Clear Priorities – Define what must get done first.
4. Reframe Mindset – See the hard task as growth, not punishment.
5. Schedule It Early – Do the task in the morning before distractions hit.
6. Reward Yourself – Give yourself a treat after completing it.
7. Use Accountability – Share goals with a friend or coworker.
8. Limit Decision Fatigue – Plan the task the night before.
9. Visualize Success – Picture the relief of finishing early.
10. Build Consistency – Practice daily until it becomes a habit.

Did you know that there are advantages and disadvantages to eating the frog, and according to ChatGPT, here are both:

10 Advantages of Eating the Frog

1. Boosts Productivity – Hardest task done first, freeing energy.
2. Reduces Stress – Removes the dread hanging over you.
3. Creates Momentum – Success fuels more success.
4. Increases Confidence – Builds belief in your abilities.
5. Improves Focus – Eliminates procrastination distractions.
6. Strengthens Discipline – Builds self-control and resilience.
7. Frees Mental Space – No nagging task in the background.
8. Promotes Time Efficiency – Clears the path for smoother work.
9. Builds Consistency – Helps establish strong daily routines.
10. Encourages Long-Term Success – Trains you to tackle challenges head-on.

10 Disadvantages of Eating the Frog

1. Mental Fatigue – Starting with the hardest task may drain energy.
2. Burnout Risk – Consistently tackling big tasks first can overwhelm.
3. Lower Creativity – Hard tasks may stifle creative flow early in the day.
4. Demotivation if Failed – Struggling early can discourage the rest of the day.
5. Rigid Routine – Not everyone works best in the morning.
6. Neglect of Small Tasks – Easier but important things may get pushed aside.
7. Stressful Mornings – May increase anxiety at the start of the day.
8. Reduced Flexibility – Doesn’t adapt well to shifting priorities.
9. Not One-Size-Fits-All – Some people are more productive later in the day.
10. Pressure to Perform – Constantly “eating frogs” can feel like a burden.

I’m kicking around the idea of starting small and devoting a minimum of two days a week—just two—to eating the frog. It might call for reserving a public library study room though. The last time I did that, I got so much done in the two-hour time slot, that I amazed myself.

Any views to share? Would you dare to eat the frog? At least, figuratively?

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I’m Ruth Anita Foote, an award-winning journalist, historian, author, and online entrepreneur—passionate about helping you enhance your business, career, and lifestyle. Whether you need writing, editing, research, or online business development, I’m here to support your growth. My goal is to empower you to elevate your success and make a lasting impact in your field. You can connect to all my social media platforms through Linktr.ee