Learning can be powerful, energize you, and make you have a can do attitude. But if you find yourself or your team stuck in a can’t do attitude then it is time to EAT A FROG! The suggestion is try to create a little bit of fun around learning or at least an active role towards learning… try a theme based learning project. Start with self-help first if science sounds too much of a leap. Brian Tracy is a great place to start. His books are short, easy to read, and packed full of useful tips and information. EAT THAT FROG – 21 Great ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time is a perfect theme book. Fill your office with green, frogs or lily pads as a visual to keep focused on your new project.

Here are the top 5 topics I love out of this book:

Apply the 80/20 rule to everything. 20% of your activities will account for 80% of your results. Always concentrate your efforts on the top 20%.

Set the table. Decide exactly what you want. Clarity is essential. Write out your goals and objectives before you begin.

Plan every day in advance. Think on paper. Every minute you spend in planning can save you five or ten minutes in execution.

Practice creative procrastination. Since you can’t do everything, you must learn to deliberately put off those tasks that are low value so that you have enough time to do the few things that really count.

Consider the consequences. Your most important tasks and priorities are those that can have the most serious consequences, positive or negative, on your life or work. Focus on these above all else.

Perhaps being a strong leader on your team is your biggest ugliest frog. But maybe you are spending the majority of your time swimming around with the tadpoles. Make a change today, set your table, organize yourself, write down your goals and then guess what you just ATE A FROG!