I’ve been listening to the book “Eat That Frog” by Brian Tracy. It has blown my mind. We will probably never finish our to-do lists. That’s why we need to be selective of how we use our working times. Go after the big ticket items on your list first. When they seem overwhelming, break the task into as small of steps as you can.

While I design and write my new resources magazine, I feel like the project never ends. But when I break it down (today I’m writing Author Spotlights) then break it down even more (this morning I will write author A & B’s spotlights. Then this evening I’ll write C & D’s).

Setting a timeline goal will help you focus and put in efficient work. This is more specific than SMART goals. I’m talking about making a goal for the hour of time you have before your next meeting, not your general month long plan. To add to this, if you don’t have consequences (which can be good or bad), you may find your productivity lacking. Maybe you don’t go to the movies until you finish that chapter. Or perhaps your good consequence (your reward) is to host a game night with friends when you finish editing your first draft.

Organizing your goals and projects by deadline and priority will clear your mind and eliminate the feeling of chaos. With all your tasks on paper and out of your head, I’ve found that things become more manageable.

Have you read “Eat That Frog” yet? What stood out to you?