"If you eat a live frog the very first thing each morning,
you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that it's probably
the worst thing you'll do all day"
Mark Twain
After visiting with Levonne the other day, I was looking thru the titles of "self improvement" ebooks available from the library, looking for one she was reading, when I came across a book called "Eat That Frog."
I had to check it out. The title caught me!
Like most self improvement books it had some good points, but also was a bit extreme. It talks about making lists and setting priorities as a way of getting things done. The "frog" is your biggest, hardest task. the book tells you to do that first and not procrastinate.
Anyone who has read this blog for any time, knows I keep "To Do" lists regularly. I often set goals on what I want to accomplish on a day to day and month to month basis.
I keep it in pencil, so if I don't get something done, I can erase it!
If something is important enough, it will get done, eventually.
My approach is different!
I like to eat animal crackers,
with frosting and sprinkles,
and let the frogs hop away!
Yes, I procrastinate. I nibble away at my tasks, a little at a time. He who finishes first does not necessarily win. She who walks in the sunshine and sees the birds, does!
Life is too short to eat frogs!
I, too, make lists.
ReplyDeleteI, too, procrastinate!
I, too, walk in the sunshine and see birds.
I couldn't eat a live frog, either. :)
I like your attitude!!! Good post...now go enjoy those animal cookies (I like 'em too!).
ReplyDeleteI agree that most "self-help" books are too extreme. I have read my fair share of them, but I stick to my methods of "Goal Lists". I review them often and make changes as I go along.
ReplyDeleteRight on! And by the way, I am amazed at how much you have gotten done! Keep at it and we'll see you on the road sooner than you think. One of the best parts of this life is that you can take the time to enjoy nature's beauty.
ReplyDeleteI make lists; I forget where I put them.
ReplyDeleteI procrastinate; then I forget why I procrastinate.
but walking in sunshine, seeing birds and trees and flowers and clouds .... THAT I do well!!
In the meantime, I manage to get by pretty happily. I may be disorganized, but I'm pretty generally happy. That's what counts!
Good luck to you for finding what works for you. :)
I make lists, sometimes!.but don't eat frogs!....enjoy the animal crackers!!..slow and steady wins the race!!
ReplyDeleteMerikay, I found you about a year ago thru Rae's (Travels with Miranda) Blog. I was downsizing - planning to someday live in an RV. I totally moved out of my apartment and am now in my 5th wheel. I absolutely love it. I spent the day painting the bathroom. So the projects didn't end. I have used to-do lists, but keep them very flexible. All the things get done, unless I change my mind I enjoy your blog.
ReplyDeleteI just posted - forgot to sign my name. I am Joan from Oregon.
ReplyDeleteI think what happens in these cases is that the author of the book gets over-excited about the metaphor on which he's based his book. As in "OMG, I'm going to become rich and famous on the idea of EATING A FROG!".
ReplyDeleteI snuck a couple of peeks at the book as Merikay read it, and it seemed to have pretty much the same advice that's embodied in many such self-improvement books. Except that the advice got all tangled up in frogs...
I know you've been frustrated. The list seems to get longer all the time. It will get done, and if it doesn't? You can still go on the road!
ReplyDeleteGreat attitude!
ReplyDeleteI find sometimes it's better to get 2 or 3 little, easy things done first, then I'm building momentum and don't feel overwhelmed by what's left. Then the big task seems easier. Sometimes. Other times I just do nothing. Or I'll get it all done. Depends on how I'm feeling. Usually once I start, though, I keep going.
ReplyDeleteBut I have to admit, I've never had to do all the things you're doing. You have a huge job there, and you're chipping away big chunks all the time. I have to hand it to you, when you're full-timing, you definitely will DESERVE it! :)
I too do the lists, and procrastinate' As for the frog, I think of something entirely different. To me frog means Fully Rely On God. That's what I try to do. Most of the time I'm successful, but sometimes not.
ReplyDelete