Startup

Eat the frog: A productivity technique to tackle big tasks

Published

3 days ago

November 4, 2024

admin

In a world of endless to-do lists and constant notifications, productivity has become a skill that often feels just out of reach. Everyone wants to accomplish more in less time, but the challenge of prioritising tasks—and staying focused—can feel overwhelming. Imagine starting each day by tackling your biggest, most dreaded task first. This is the essence of the “Eat the Frog” technique, a powerful method for building momentum and setting the tone for a productive day. The name may sound peculiar, but it’s based on an idea famously attributed to Mark Twain: “If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning.” By handling your hardest, least appealing task early on, you’ll free up your energy and mental space for the rest of the day.

So, how exactly does one “eat the frog”? Let’s explore the ins and outs of this technique, its benefits, and how you can start applying it to transform your productivity.

What is the “Eat the Frog” technique?

The “Eat the Frog” technique is a prioritisation strategy where you start your day by tackling the most challenging or important task on your list. The “frog” represents a big, possibly uncomfortable task, and is often easy to procrastinate on. Addressing it first prevents it from lingering and weighing on you throughout the day. This approach can be constructive if you struggle with decision fatigue or feel mentally drained when faced with multiple tasks.

This productivity method is simple, effective, and flexible, making it adaptable to any work environment or lifestyle.

Why tackle the toughest task first?

Reduced procrastination

Starting with a difficult task leaves little room for procrastination. By facing it head-on, you train yourself to take action without overthinking.

Boosted confidence and momentum

Completing a challenging task early in the day gives you a confidence boost, creating positive momentum for the rest of your work.

Mental clarity

Addressing a burdensome task reduces mental clutter, allowing you to focus more clearly on other tasks without the nagging thought of unfinished business.

Improved productivity

By prioritising, you ensure your most crucial tasks are completed, leaving you with a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction.

How to identify your “Frog”

Your “frog” is usually the task that brings the most value to your day but also the most resistance. Here’s how to find it:

Ask yourself: Which task, if completed, would make the rest of your day feel successful?
Look for high-impact items: Focus on tasks that contribute the most to your goals or projects.
Recognise avoidance patterns: Often, the task you dread or have been putting off is the one you should tackle first.

Once you’ve identified your frog, it’s time to eat it—right away, before anything else distracts you.

Steps to effectively use the “Eat the Frog” technique

Define your frog the night before

Before you go to bed or finish work, decide on your primary task for the next day. This prepares you mentally and removes decision-making in the morning.

Start your day with a focused mindset

Set aside distractions like emails, messages, or minor tasks. Begin your day with a fresh mind and tackle your frog first.

Break it down if necessary

If your frog is too large, break it into smaller steps. Each step you complete brings you closer to finishing the main task.

Reward yourself

After completing your frog, give yourself a small reward, whether it’s a break, a coffee, or a few minutes of relaxation. This positive reinforcement helps make the technique sustainable.

Repeat consistently

Consistency is key. Make this a daily habit, and you’ll see a lasting impact on your productivity.

Final thoughts on “Eating the Frog”

The “Eat the Frog” technique is not only a practical tool for productivity but also a mindset shift. It encourages you to prioritise your most challenging task and build a habit of proactive action rather than reactive response. While it may be uncomfortable at first, it’s worth the effort. By mastering this technique, you’re not only clearing your to-do list more efficiently but also training yourself to embrace challenges with resilience and confidence.

Source link

Post Views: 6

Startup

RenewBuys pares FY24 losses by 40% amid merger reports

Published

30 mins ago

November 7, 2024

admin

D2C Consulting Services, the parent company of digital insurance startup RenewBuy, pared its losses by 42% to Rs 114.44 crore in FY24 from Rs 197.19 crore in the previous year.

The online insurance aggregator clocked 40% rise in operating revenue to Rs 394.40 crore from Rs 280.75 crore in FY23, according to a filing made with the Registrar of Companies.

D2C Consulting Services is reportedly in talks with its larger peer InsuranceDekho for a potential merger in a cash-and-stock deal. The combined entity is expected to be valued over Rs 8,000 crore, with RenewBuy valued at about Rs 3,000 crore.

The RenewBuy platform offers comparison for motor, health and life insurance. Its total expenses rose 8% to Rs 524.24 crore, mainly driven by higher interest payments and other expenses.

RenewBuy is valued at $364 million according to the data available on data intelligence platform Tracxn. It last raised $40 million in a Series D round from Dai-ichi Life Holdings in July 2023.

The startup was founded in 2016 by Balachander Sekhar and Indraneel Chatterjee. RenewBuy plans to expand beyond India, especially in the Asian markets.

Its peer PolicyBazaar, a unit of listed entity PB Fintech, reported a 43.81% year-over-year jump in operational revenue at Rs 1,167 crore in Q2. During the same period, it clocked a profit after tax of Rs 51 crore, marking a turnaround from a loss of Rs 21.11 crore incurred in the corresponding year-ago period.

Source link

Post Views: 0

Startup

Startup news and updates: Daily roundup (November 7, 2024)

Published

2 hours ago

November 7, 2024

admin

Funding news:

Enlog secures Rs 1.75 Cr in equity funding

Enlog, a Delhi-based startup specialising in AI-powered energy management and IoT solutions, has secured Rs 1.75 crore in equity funding from Vinners.

The fresh funds will be used to boost its operations and accelerate its growth in India’s energy management sector.

Enlog, a Delhi-based energy management startup, was founded in 2019 by Bharath Rnkawat and Jharna Saha, focuses on IoT and AI-powered energy solutions to optimise electricity consumption and reduce carbon footprints. So far, it has managed 11,300 MWh of electricity and reduced over 2,000 tons of carbon emissions.

With over 15,000 users, Enlog aims to reduce carbon emissions by one million tons by 2027. It plans to triple its revenue from Rs 12 crore in 2024 to Rs 40-45 crore by 2025, focusing on expanding into key Indian metro cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Indore.

Pulse bags $1.4M in a seed funding round led by Endiya Partners

Pulse, an advanced Agentic AI platform, has secured $1.4 million in seed funding from Endiya Partners, with participation from angel investors, including founders of Zluri and Yellow.ai, and other entrepreneurs and product leaders.

The funding will primarily focus on building a robust core team, enhancing the platform’s development, purpose-built LLMs, and Agentic AI capabilities.

It is launching its MVP in November 2024, following pilots with multiple design partners. The company plans to allocate resources for early go-to-market initiatives to establish a foothold in India and the US, paving the way for long-term growth and leadership in the AI-first product management space.

Hyderabad-based Pulse, founded in 2024, uses Agentic AI to collect customer feedback, analyse structured and unstructured data, and automate key processes like feature extraction, prioritisation, and product hierarchy creation.

Other News

DaveAI secures patent for real-time adaptive digital aisle, transforming customer engagement

Dave.AI, an interactive digital solutions, has been granted a patent by the Government of India for its “System and Method for Real-Time Adaptive Interactive Digital Aisle of Products.”

The patented system leverages DaveAI’s proprietary Affinity Engine, a multi-dimensional AI with an online learning genetic algorithm, powers real-time hyper-personalisation, allowing brands to craft adaptable and engaging digital customer experiences.

DaveAI combines machine learning with genetic algorithms to personalise customer interactions in real time. This allows brands to provide tailored recommendations, adapt to changing customer needs, and build lasting connections.

(The copy will be updated with the latest news throughout the day)

Source link

Post Views: 1

Startup

KL Rahul-backed Boldfit raises Rs 110 Cr from Bessemer Venture

Published

3 hours ago

November 7, 2024

admin

Fitness brand Boldfit on Thursday said it raised Rs 110 crore in its series A round from Bessemer Venture Partners (BVP).

Boldfit, which sells everything from yoga mats and water bottles to protein powers and exercise apparel, plans to use the latest infusion for product innovation and brand expansion.

Boldfit, which was founded by Pallav Bihani in 2019, had earlier announced a strategic investment from cricketer KL Rahul in July. Rahul also joined the company as a brand ambassador.

“We believe sports and fitness is a rapidly growing market in India and Boldfit has emerged as an early leader in the space with its strong focus on product quality, holistic distribution, and strong brand partnerships. We’re excited to partner with Pallav and the team in their next stage of growth,” noted Anant Vidur Puri, Partner at Bessemer Venture Partners.

Boldfit had earlier outlined its plans to use the funds for the development of new product lines and enhance customer engagement through targeted campaigns and community development initiatives. Additionally, the company is also looking to optimise its supply chain and improve logistics to reduce delivery times.

Boldfit said it clocked revenue of Rs 73 crore in FY24 and expects to cross the Rs 500 crore threshold by FY26, which it had shared with Yourstory earlier.

The company currently claims to serve over one crore customers annually.

Source link

Post Views: 0