Eat the Frog

TechExec Week 23 - Wednesday Edition

(Total read time: 3 minutes)

Hey there,

Welcome to Week 23 of TechExec - the newsletter that turbocharges your growth to become a Tech Executive!

Last week, I talked about a new VC fund I am building called TrueNorth Ventures. I just wanted to bump it again this week :)

At TrueNorth Ventures, we want to back first-generation Canadians and new immigrant founders at the earliest stages. Our core sectors of focus are AI, fintech, climate tech, and B2B SaaS. No idea is too early for us, and we can invest even before incorporation.

Here are a few ways you can support me in my journey:

  1. Know any Canadian immigrants building cool companies? Have them visit our website!

  2. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter!

  3. Aware of any LPs who are backing emerging fund managers and believe immigration is net positive? Please make an intro!

Today’s post is sponsored by the Money Machine Newsletter

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As always, we are sharing a new set of BLTs this week

  • 💼 B - a Business concept / theory / story

  • 💝 L - a lifestyle advice

  • 🤖 T - a Tech explainer

Here is the schedule:

Monday —>💼 B - a Business concept / theory / story

Wednesday —> 💝 L - a lifestyle advice

Friday —> 🤖 T - a Tech explainer

This week we covered Search Funds on Monday, and we will cover TSMC on Friday.

Today’s lifestyle advice is on the Eat The Frog!

💼 L - Eat The Frog

Ever heard of the 'eat the frog' tactic for productivity? No, it doesn't involve literally swallowing a live, wriggly amphibian (so please stop dialing PETA!). This tactic, far from being a bizarre culinary adventure, is actually a method for increasing productivity, named after a famous Mark Twain quote that goes something like this:

If it's your job to eat a frog, it's best to do it first thing in the morning. And If it's your job to eat two frogs, it's best to eat the biggest one first.

Mark Twain

The idea here is that 'frog' is a metaphor for your most challenging task of the day. The thing you're dreading the most, the task that's been looming over your head like a dark cloud. Or, for some of us, that one email we've been avoiding responding to for weeks. The 'eat the frog' tactic says to tackle this task head-on, first thing in the morning.

Why does it work? Well, imagine this: you start your day by finishing off that dreaded task. Suddenly, the rest of your day looks brighter and lighter! It's like waking up and instantly losing 10 pounds. Poof! Just like that, you feel invincible. You've slain the dragon (or eaten the frog), and everything else seems easy-peasy in comparison. It's psychology, baby! Doing the hardest task first gives you a sense of accomplishment and sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.

Not only does it set a positive tone for your day, but it also frees up your mind from the constant nagging thought of that impending difficult task. Have you ever tried to enjoy a movie while constantly worrying about an unfinished task? It's like trying to enjoy ice cream while being tickled—nearly impossible!

How can 'eating the frog' help us achieve our personal and professional goals? Well, if you're consistently taking on your most challenging tasks first, you're essentially becoming a productivity ninja. You're pushing your boundaries, overcoming obstacles, and making progress. It's like leveling up in a video game: the more frogs you eat, the better you get at handling bigger and scarier frogs.

Takeaway: "Eating the frog," a metaphor for tackling your toughest task first thing in the morning, is a powerful productivity strategy. It works by providing a sense of accomplishment and setting a positive tone for the day. By conquering the most challenging task, you free your mind from lingering worries, enhancing your focus and enjoyment of other activities. This approach transforms you into a productivity ninja, enabling you to push your boundaries, overcome obstacles, and make consistent progress toward personal and professional goals. It's a strategy that not only boosts efficiency but also builds resilience and confidence as you successfully tackle increasingly daunting challenges.

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