“Eat the frog” Sounds gross, right? But stick with me—because this quirky little phrase has totally changed the way I approach my day.

I first heard it from my business coach, Logan Elliott (aka the Flammable Entrepreneur), and while it might sound a bit strange at first, it’s one of the most effective productivity tips I’ve ever learned.

What Does “Eating the Frog” Mean?

Your frog is that one task on your to-do list you really don’t want to do. You know the one—it’s uncomfortable, boring, awkward, or intimidating. Maybe it’s emailing that client, filing your taxes, following up on an unpaid invoice, or finishing that tricky project you’ve been avoiding.

If you let that frog just sit there, it doesn’t go away. It gets bigger. Slimier. More stressful. It lingers in the back of your mind and steals energy from everything else you try to do.

But when you tackle it first thing in the morning? You win.

You feel accomplished, focused, and clear-headed. And that energy snowballs into the rest of your day.

Why It Works (Especially for Creatives)

As artists and creative business owners, our days are filled with problem-solving, deadlines, and a million little decisions. The mental load can get overwhelming fast.

Starting your day by “eating the frog” clears your mental clutter. It gives you momentum. And most importantly, it removes the emotional weight of that nagging task so you can move through your creative work with more joy and ease.

It’s Simple, But Powerful

This tip might sound silly, but it works. Try it tomorrow. Look at your to-do list, find the frog, and eat it first.

You’ll be amazed at how productive and empowered you feel afterward. One gross little frog at a time.