Today I’d like to share my thoughts on a fabulous business book I’ve recently read. The title of it recommended by one of the speakers at our annual planners seminar WPE, most definitely sounded like what I needed. 

As a business owner returning to work with a baby now in the equation, the title ‘Eat That Frog – 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time’ – seemed to appeal. Anything that might help me keep on top of my work and prioritise the most important things. 

The book doesn’t fail to impress. Firstly it’s nice and short and manageable. I read the whole thing in one return journey into London from Guildford. And it’s punchy and to the point. There is lots which washed over me (as books tend to) but I always think it’s a successful read if you can take to heart and practice just 2 or 3 points. Here are my 3 things; 

1. Eat That Frog – tackle the single most important and largest task you have to do for the day straight away, first thing. I’m shocking at this, if it’s something which will require concentration for more than about 30 minutes at a time, then I put it off and tackle smaller tasks like reading and replying to emails first. No more. Today I’ve spent a whole hour sorting out photos for my updated website gallery, much needed and so satisfying now that it’s done
2.  Accept that you can’t do it all – you will never get the list done in your entire life so start deleting, downsizing, delegating and such. OK I’d dearly love a big team to delegate to but there are certainly tasks which just simply don’t need to be done, ever!
3. The 80/20 rule – 20% of your activities will produce 80% of your results so concentrate on those.  For me that’s a reminder to concentrate on the things which reap rewards time after time which are not necessarily the things I like doing but if they produce results, then that’s what I’m here for.  

There was plenty more that I learnt but I’d strongly suggest it’s one to add to the reading list for when you are spending some time “on the business” rather than “in the business” – after the summer season maybe?

What business books have you read recently that have inspired you?

 For more on the author do take a look at Brian Tracy