Good morning, and happy Monday! I hope your new week is off to a good start. Today is the day we decide how our week is going to be. No pressure or anything.
Last week, we talked about eating a frog. Not just the legs (a delicacy to some folks), but the entire wart-covered frog. It’s a pretty simple concept – if you have to eat a frog, do it first thing in the morning and your day can only get better. And as you may recall, there was a second part – if you have to eat more than one frog, start with the ugliest one first.
I didn’t dream it up. I’m a little twisted, but I’m not that far gone. That bit of advice has been largely attributed to Mark Twain, who had a way with words that I’ll never achieve. But it’s sage advice. Basically, if you have to do an unpleasant task, one you’ve procrastinated in the past and are likely to avoid as the day goes on, just get it done now. First. Before anything else.
I’m sitting here with a big list of things to do, and I’m not really looking forward to any of it. These are things I kept putting off “until I don’t have to work all day and I have a little extra time.” I’ll give you a moment to stop laughing. Today marks four weeks of retirement for me, and I still don’t have any of that extra time. I’m beginning to think it’s a lie.
These are things I have to do. None are really that hard, but in terms of eating a frog, some are up there at the top of the list. And yes, I actually did make a list. There’s a lot on it, and my weekend goal is to wake up Friday with an empty list. You know, because I actually checked things off. Crossing them off is easier, but then you start next week with the same list.
But unless dumpster-diving or sewer skimming is on your list, I’m willing to bet most of the frogs on your plate aren’t as ugly as they appear. In fact, some may not really be frogs at all. Still, the longer we avoid a task, the more objectionable it becomes. There comes a point where we really would prefer to eat an actual frog.
Some things get worse because we keep avoiding them. When my storage shed needed repairs, I delayed. A couple of years later it needed new doors and siding. Then the roof started to go. By the time I finally got around to it, the entire thing needed to come down and be rebuilt. The longer I waited, the uglier that frog got. And believe me, it was a toad!
In reality, the frog is probably ugly because we keep kicking it to the curb. And the more we kick the frog around, the uglier it becomes. Like staring at a toilet full of stuff it’s not supposed to showcase. Let’s just say time is not your friend and there’s not a lot of discussion about who will fix it or when. My wife uses that bathroom, too.
So, I’ve made a list of things I need to get done this week. Not because of any imposed deadlines, but because I’m tired of staring at frogs. After a while, they begin to multiply and give warts to one another. And I’m pretty sure if I don’t get them out of the way, I’ll start looking like one myself. I don’t need any help in that area.
I told you Friday I’d challenge you today, so here it is. Assemble your own “frog list.” Do it this morning, sorted by “ugliest first.” Only one rule – no two frogs are equally ugly. Unless you can eat two with one bite. The deal is, you have to get the worst stuff out of the way first. And that means beginning with a better understanding of why each particular frog is so ugly.
How many times have you thought about this particular task over the past several days? Yes, I’m being generous. My list has been growing for months. In my case, it’s laziness. There are a dozen things I’d rather do, beginning with today’s crosswords. So, for this week, I plan to eat a frog first each day until everything on my original list is done.
Some days I’ll have to eat a few. And I know frogs multiply. My list will never be completely empty. How about yours? Are you ready to put a dent in it? None of these frogs are really that bad. It’s just our perception. Once you understand what’s really standing in your way, the rest is easy. All you have to do is dig in.
Make your list and then, as you look at each item, try to identify why you’re likely to avoid it. Sometimes, the real reason isn’t that big after all. They say a journey of 1,000 miles begins with one step. Take that step. Eat the frog. Burp if you must, but please brush your teeth. It’s okay to brag about what you’ve accomplished, but let’s not play a game of “guess that smell.”
That’s all for today. This one was a little longer than I wanted, but I think it’s important. With each frog you eat, two things happen – the pile gets smaller, and the taste becomes more palatable. Both will make the next frog that much easier. Try it and see. Then let me know how it’s working for you, and I’ll update you on my list Friday. Meanwhile, have a fun week!
© 2026 Dave Glardon – All rights reserved
