Eating the Frog: Why Tackling Your Toughest Tasks First Sets the Tone for Success
If you’ve ever woken up before dawn with a sense of dread about something you know you have to do, you’re not alone. This morning at 5:30 am, I had the very first run with The Sleepers Run Club.
Rolling out of bed at that hour isn’t easy, but as soon as I laced up my shoes and hit the road, I felt a huge sense of accomplishment—and the day had barely even started! This brings me to a powerful concept for productivity: eating the frog.
What do I mean by eating the frog?
For those unfamiliar with the term, “eating the frog” comes from a famous quote often attributed to Mark Twain: “If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning.” In essence, it means tackling your most difficult task—the one you’re dreading the most—first thing in your day. Once you’ve done it, everything else will seem easier by comparison, and you’ll feel more productive and energized as you move through your tasks.
Waking up for a 5:30 am run was a ‘frog’ for me. The thought of pulling myself out of bed at that time, especially on a chilly October morning, was daunting. But I knew if I could commit to this and push through the discomfort, it would set a powerful tone for the rest of my day. The reward? Not just the satisfaction of getting my workout done early, but also the mental clarity, energy, and sense of achievement that carried into everything else I had to do. It was the first step toward a more productive day, and I felt unstoppable.
Eating the frog is about momentum. When you start your day by knocking out that big, sometimes uncomfortable task, you build confidence. Whether it’s working on a difficult project, hitting a major deadline, or getting that early morning workout in, the key is to just start. Once you do, you’ll often find that the task isn’t as bad as it seemed.
How can we turn this into productivity?
For those of us looking to level up our productivity, especially as we manage busy work schedules, personal projects, and all the other demands of life, “eating the frog” can be a game-changer. It’s an approach that forces you to focus on what matters most, helping you feel more accomplished early on, which can create positive momentum for the rest of your day.
So, here’s my challenge for you: what’s your ‘frog’? Identify it, and tackle it head-on tomorrow morning. You’ll be amazed at how this one simple shift in your routine can make a huge difference in how productive and in control you feel.
And if your frog happens to be related to fitness or getting more active, I’d love for you to join me and The Sleepers Run Club. We meet every Monday morning at 5:30 am, starting the week strong, together. It’s tough getting out of bed, but with a community around you, the motivation is high and the rewards are even higher. Eating the frog is always easier when you’re not doing it alone!
Let’s eat those frogs, one run at a time.
1. Common Sense Podcast Is Back
The season is back today and I would appreciate your support with the first episode. Please listen drop a comment and share it.
E99: "Hamas KIDNAPPED My Family And I Want Them Back"
2. Black History Pub Quiz
Calling All ‘Know it Alls’
Grab your thinking caps and favourite drink—it’s time for the Black History Month Pub Quiz! Whether you’re a trivia master or just want to learn (while pretending you already know), this night is for you. We’ll test your knowledge of Black culture, history, and iconic moments, from the unsung heroes to the legends we all know and love.
3. Join The Sleepers Run Club
I’ve started a new running group in Woolwich called The Sleepers Club, and I’d love for you to join! We meet every Monday at 5:30am (yep, early—but hear me out!).
I know, waking up at that time sounds rough, but there’s something pretty amazing about getting out there before the day really starts. The streets are quiet, the air feels fresher, and it sets you up to feel like you’ve already accomplished something big before most people are even awake. Plus, it’s a great way to kick off the week with a clear head.
It doesn’t matter if you’re fast, slow, or somewhere in between—everyone’s welcome. It’s more about the good vibes, showing up, and just getting moving. We all help keep each other motivated, especially when the snooze button looks tempting!
If you’re up for it, let me know and I’ll add you to the group. It’d be great to see some familiar faces out there, and I promise, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Have an amazing week all,
M.T. Omoniyi