Books that change lives – Eat that Frog

Book Review – Eat that Frog, 2013 Publication , Brian Tracy

First Published: 2004 Hodder & Stoughton An Hachette UK Company

Brian Tracy is a Best Selling author of over 40 books and after reading this one, Eat That Frog, I am planning on taking the opportunity to read more of his work.  Why one askes?  This non-fiction book is based on “Time Management” and is a very simple easy read with the author setting out action plans that are also very simple to follow.  After reading just one of his publications, I understand how Brian Tracy is considered to be one of the foremost authorities on success and achievement in the world.

The book contains twenty one chapters each one representing one of the twenty one ways to “Stop procrastinating and get more done in less time”.  His ideas, we are possibly aware of but, the way in which he writes and the techniques given to put plans into action bring our awareness to “doing” to a more advanced plain.

Taking action immediately is behind all he writes but most importantly he sets out the importance of focusing on prioritising and completing the most important tasks.  This, he suggests, you do every day and develop the habit of doing so.  The purpose of co-active coaching is to learn how to live a more fulfilled life and this book coincides with this so well.   By being more proficient in our time management we build in free time to enjoy more time with people we want to be with and do things we enjoy most.  Not only that, but completing our tasks will assist us in succeeding in our personal goals or career goals.  The key insight which is the heart and soul of the book is –

“The ability to concentrate single-mindedly and on your most important task, to do it well and to finish it completely, is the key to great success, achievement, respect, status and happiness in life.”

The title of this book had me wondering prior to reading it however; I feel it is a very apt title.  Who wants to eat a frog?  Not many I would think?   But think procrastination, what do we do?  We put off carrying out the task we dislike most prior to others yet, the author suggests and writes on his vast experience that when we complete this task we feel happy that we have achieved it therefore other tasks do not appear so hard.  The author has copied this from writings of “Mark Twain – Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day”.

Whilst reading this book during my studies on the Diploma of Executive and Life Coaching there were so many connections in my planning of the course, learning within, assignments etc.  Writing your goals down, I believe, lends urgency to them and also gives a time frame:  all of which is involved in the course.    I will happily keep this book nearby to re-read and follow through on the exercises.  In my pro-bono coaching I have also recommended it.  If authentically read and followed through on – it can only empower you.

I recommend this book for reading as a truly simply way to succeed.  Another example like co-active coaching to trust the process!

Books that change lives – Eat that Frog – review by Celine – graduate of the Diploma in Executive and Life Coaching