Eat The Frog First 🐸

Author

Dan Martin
November 22, 2023

Hey hero,

This morning, as I stood at the edge of the swimming pool, the water looked uninviting, almost daunting.

It was cold, a kind of cold that makes you second guess your decisions…

(if only you could hear my breathing 🥶)

But… in I went.

The initial shock of the freezing water was overwhelming, but as I started to swim, that discomfort transformed into exhilaration.

By the end I felt invigorated, proud of overcoming my reluctance.

Why am I sharing this?

Because it perfectly encapsulates a powerful life strategy: Eat the Frog First.

This concept suggests that if you start your day by accomplishing your most challenging task, everything else becomes easier.

In my case, the 'frog' was diving into that icy pool.

But what if your 'frog' is something more complex, like taking control of addiction?

In the context of addiction, 'eating the frog' means facing your biggest challenge head-on, first thing.

Whether it's acknowledging your addiction, attending your first therapy session, or resisting a powerful urge.

It's about doing what you feel least like doing because it's what you need the most.

Why it works:

  1. Breaks the cycle of procrastination: By tackling the hardest task first, you cut through the avoidance patterns that often fuel addictive behaviours.

  2. Builds momentum: Overcoming a significant hurdle early in the day sets a positive tone, giving you the strength to handle other challenges.

  3. Boosts self-efficacy: Each time you 'eat the frog,' you reinforce your ability to control your actions and decisions, which is crucial in addiction recovery.

Making it relevant:

  • Start your day with a commitment to your recovery objectives. This could be a morning meditation, a meeting with your support group, or a session with/message to your therapist or coach.

  • Identify your 'frog' - the part that you're most avoiding, and prioritise it. This might be as simple as acknowledging your addiction out loud or as challenging as refusing a social event where you know there will be triggers.

Remember, the 'frog' is not just about the big leaps; it's also about the small, daily choices that contribute to your freedom.

As you go about your day, remember the lesson from the cold pool: the initial discomfort is temporary, and what follows is a sense of accomplishment and empowerment.

In the context of addiction, this means facing your biggest fears and challenges early on, and reaping the benefits of increased confidence and control over your life.

Your takeaway:


Just like diving into a cold pool, the first step in addiction control might be the hardest.

But it's also the most rewarding.

Loving you,

Dan

PS. For personalised guidance on how to 'eat your frog' and take control of your addiction, I'm here. Reach out for a one-on-one session, or join our private community for ongoing support.

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