Eating the Frog and Reducing Stress

Eating the Frog is a term that may be new to you.  Simply put, this is the idea of getting the things done that you want to do the least.  It is a popular way to improve productivity and get things done.  However, it is also a practice that can help with reducing stress and increasing happiness.  In this episode, we look at how doing what you dislike is a key to happiness. Removing Obstacles is Key To Reducing Stress Depression and lack of productivity go hand in hand.  Likewise, productivity and happiness are often related.  These are all complicated concepts, so the cause and effect of them are also a little muddy.  We can improve productivity through a lot of methods.  One of the best is reducing our "dead time" and getting a quick start.  The dread and included foot-dragging we do with undesirable tasks are a few of many contributors to the productivity reducers.  Thus, we sometimes are the most significant obstacle to our ability to get things done. Worry Equals Stress We worry about the things we have on our mental "to-do" list.  They are not always on our mind.  However, the more things drag out, the more they take up our mental energy.  When we dwell on the items, we dread it causes stress.  In fact, that is almost the definition of fear and worry.  Thus, one of the best ways to reduce stress is to remove the things we do not look forward to.  Think about it.  What makes you happier?  Thinking about your next vacation, or about your next visit to the dentist?  When you put the tasks that create the most stress in your review mirror your mental attitude improves.  Retirement is making this a full-time job.  When you retire, in theory, you only have tasks to do that fall in the category of pleasant or fun. Links and Resources Learn More About Eating The Frog