Frogs can Derail Transitions

Seriously?

Where is the inter-connect between frogs and transitions?

We live and work in a world of constant transition.

There are so many challenges we confront as we enter a period of transition.

Some of these are out of our control, but others may just feel too difficult on any given day.

Enter the frogs

Animal lovers – avert your eyes.

It was Mark Twain who said, “Eat a live frog first thing in the morning, and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.”

When we are considering a period of transition, or indeed, when we have plunged in, arms flailing and heart racing; frogs abound.

Leapfrog

Transitions are tricky, not least in the early stages, when they demand a commitment to behaviour change that can be uncomfortable.

This is not a bad thing. In fact, many of us are at our best when we are experiencing the stretch.

However, it is also when we are stretched, that we encounter an army of frogs. (trivia note: this is the name of a gathering of frogs)

Mark Twain’s take on frogs was those tricky, difficult or challenging tasks that we should “eat” at the break of day.

What we generally do, however, is we push them to the end of the day, and they often flow over into the following day.

The army builds, and by the end of the week, we have a bucketful of frogs.

How to eat a frog

In situations where we are considering, or have entered a period of transition, it is useful to know why, how and when to eat the frog.

1. WHY:  We eat the frog when it is standing between us, and our goal. For example, we want to take a leap, but to do so, we need to speak to a possible referee. We feel uncertain and uncomfortable. Simply pick up the phone and eat the frog.
2. HOW: Frogs can be tricky. List all the immediate things that we need to accomplish to achieve our goals. Identify the actions we are avoiding that will move us forward. Use a green highlighting pen to identify the frogs – eat up.
3. WHEN: Frogs are best eaten fresh each morning.Left to age, they become unpalatable.

Benefits of frog consumption

There are numerous benefits accruing to those who conscientiously eat their frogs each morning.

We recognise our frog-eating peers by the energy and momentum that emanates from them as they move through their day.

Frogs are best eaten fresh, and first up in the morning. Wash down with a good cup of caffeine, and get on with building a great career.

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