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Mark Twain said, “If the first thing you do each morning is to eat a live frog, you can go through the day with the satisfaction of knowing that it’s probably the worst thing that’s going to happen to you all day long.” You might be wondering what that quote has to do with the military transition. On this episode, we dive into the “Eat the Frog” concept. 

Your “frog” is a task or challenge that you have been avoiding and procrastinating because it is daunting. Maybe it’s writing your resume, building your network through informational interviews, practicing your interview skills or figuring out what it is that you want to do next. The military transition is a series of important decisions. You have likely heard that it’s important to start your transition early. One of the reasons is because decision fatigue is real. Your willpower and decision-making skills are finite and can become depleted as the day goes on. Research shows that accomplishing tasks early in the day boosts your confidence, motivates you and sets the stage for more productivity. 

Someone once told me that overwhelm and action can’t live in the same space. When you’re moving forward, working toward a goal – even if you are taking small steps – it’s harder to feel that sense of anxiety or dread. So how do we go about tackling a daunting project or task?

1. Prioritize Your Tasks. Not all tasks are equally important. Identify your “frog.” During the military transition, your “frog” may be finding your focus.

2. Set Clear Goals. Consider making them SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Reaching/Realistic and Timely. Identify your “frogs” for each day. Do not waste your time on tasks that aren’t meaningful. 

3. Block Your Time. Allocate specific time slots for specific tasks. For example, if you are looking for a job, set time each day to network, conduct informational interviews and research job postings. Set a production schedule for yourself each day. Be realistic about what you can accomplish during your time block.

4. Create a Morning Routine. We have a limited amount of willpower and decision-making abilities. By the end of the day, it’s all too easy to procrastinate tackling the “frog.” 

5. Set Up Accountability. Find ways to track your progress. Share your goals with a friend or use a productivity app. Your accountability partner should be asking for updates, cheering you on and celebrating your victories. “Eat your frog” first thing each morning. 

6. Adjust and Adapt. Life will happen and pull you away from “eating your frog.” Unexpected challenges will arise, and you will need to shift your priorities. Adapt but maintain your focus. Address the important tasks early on. Consistently take action. 

For 6-7 years, I have put off my “frog” – until now. Last month, I faced my “frog” and am proud to say that I have achieved more in the last 30 days than the last 6-7 years combined. My “frog” is building a resume writing course that will teach military service members how to effectively market themselves. My comprehensive course will start with helping you find your focus and finish with the salary negotiation process. It will be self-paced with live Q&A sessions that will be recorded for maximum flexibility. When the course is completed, there will be 1-on-1 support. My course will not o

The Lessons Learned for Vets Podcast is sponsored by Seek Now and their Drive Academy. Seek Now is the property inspection industry's leading business and they created Drive Academy DoD SkillBridge and CSP internships to teach transitioning military service members and veterans skills that prepare them for lucrative and rewarding careers in the property inspection and insurance industries. You can learn more and apply today at www.internwithdrive.com.