Eat the Frog First!

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Table of Contents

• Must Read Article💡

• Parker’s Breakdown: Eat the Frog First 🔑

• The Study 📖

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Must Read Article💡

The Law of The Morning

Waking up and doing the hardest task first thing is a cheat code. Your productivity for the rest of the day is unmatched and every other task feels easier.

In this article by Anthonysanni.com, they discuss why you should do the hardest task of the day first thing. Here are the main points 👇👇

• The Mental Prime

• The Principle of Two Peaks

• Waking up with a Clear Head

• Ego Depletion and Willpower

• Embracing the Quietude

Parker’s Breakdown: Eat the Frog First 🔑

In the realm of productivity, there's a famous saying: "Eat the frog first." It's a metaphor that encapsulates a powerful productivity principle – tackling the most challenging task of the day first thing in the morning.

But why a frog? Well, Mark Twain once famously said, "Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day."

Our brains function differently throughout the day. In the morning, after a night's rest, our cognitive resources are at their peak. We're refreshed, focused, and ready to take on challenges. This period, often referred to as the "Golden hour," is when our willpower and decision-making abilities are at their strongest. By leveraging this mental clarity, tackling the toughest task becomes more manageable.

But, as the day progresses, decision fatigue sets in, and our willpower wanes. The more decisions we make, the less mental energy we have for complex tasks. This phenomenon underscores the importance of prioritizing the most demanding task early on, before the mental fatigue builds.

So here is how you can do this. First, identify your frog. Determine the task that requires the most effort, concentration, or creativity. This could be a crucial project, a difficult conversation, or a complex problem that needs solving. Second, break it down. If the task seems overwhelming, break it down into smaller, more manageable steps. Focus on completing one step at a time, gradually making progress towards your goal. Next, establish a morning routine. Design a morning routine that incorporates time for planning and tackling the frog. By establishing a consistent schedule, you create a conducive environment for productivity. Lastly, eliminate distractions. Minimize distractions during your morning routine to maintain focus and momentum. This might involve turning off notifications, setting boundaries with colleagues, or finding a quiet workspace.

The Study 📖 

Using Wake-Up Tasks for Morning Behavior Change: Development and Usability Study

In this study, researchers designed and implemented an apparatus equipped with wake-up task alarms and facilities for squat exercises. Thirty-six participants were recruited to perform squat exercises in the early morning for a period of two weeks, using the wake-up tasks provided. The researchers utilized a generalized estimating equation (GEE) analysis to examine factors related to morning behavior performance, focusing on the completion of target behaviors and the time taken for completion. Additionally, thematic analysis was conducted on post-survey responses to identify key themes regarding morning behavior change facilitated by wake-up tasks. The study aimed to understand the effectiveness of such tasks in encouraging productive morning habits.

Here’s what the study found:

• The use of wake-up tasks was significantly associated with the completion of target behaviors, including math tasks and picture tasks

• Time to alarm dismissal was significantly related to the elapsed time for task completion

• Theory of planned behavior (TPB) variables showed significance, indicating their role in behavior change, albeit with variations in magnitudes and directions.

• Survey results revealed insights into participants' utilization of wake-up tasks and their effectiveness in promoting morning behavior performance.

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