Eat That Frog!
Productivity classic by Brian Tracy teaching the principle of tackling your most challenging task first thing in the morning. The 'frog' represents your biggest, most important task that will have the greatest positive impact.
Last updated: 2026-03-20 17:39
Overview
Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy is one of the most popular time management and productivity books, with over 3 million copies sold worldwide. The title comes from a Mark Twain quote: "If it's your job to eat a frog, it's best to do it first thing in the morning."
Core Philosophy
The book's central principle is that your "frog" is your biggest, most important task—the one you're most likely to procrastinate on. By completing this task first, you:
- Start the day with a sense of accomplishment
- Remove the mental burden of procrastination
- Build momentum for the rest of the day
- Ensure your most important work gets done
Key Techniques
The ABCDE Method
- A Tasks: Must do - serious consequences if not done
- B Tasks: Should do - mild consequences
- C Tasks: Nice to do - no consequences
- D Tasks: Delegate
- E Tasks: Eliminate
Additional Principles
- Apply the 80/20 Rule to identify high-value tasks
- Use the ABCDE method to prioritize
- Focus on key result areas
- Practice creative procrastination (deliberately decide not to do low-value tasks)
- Use the "salami slice" and "Swiss cheese" methods to break down large tasks
Impact on Time Management
The book provides 21 practical methods for overcoming procrastination and getting more done in less time. It emphasizes that successful people develop the habit of doing things failures don't like to do.
Pricing
The book is widely available in paperback, hardcover, audio, and ebook formats at various price points.
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