"If it's your job to eat a frog...."
What can often get many of us in trouble is the small choices that can lead to larger ethical missteps or at least unprofessional behavior. Those of you who have attended our programs know that we utilize various teaching tools to encourage participants to absorb the material, including and especially film clips. Another tool is the use of well known and not so well known phrases and quotes. In that regard, "Do what's harder when it's easier" illustrate the point that procrastination or "kicking the can down the road" in the face of discomfort will frequently lead to reduced options and greater discomfort later. Another way to illustrate the point is by way of the wisdom attributed to Ben Franklin, “Watch the little things. A small leak will sink a great ship.” Or Mark Twain, "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." A participant provided the most colorful way to communicate this concept, "If you have to eat a turd, don't nibble!" Forgive us for that one, but we couldn't resist. Yet another example of the wisdom we gain from our participants. One last bit of guidance from us regarding procrastination. Don't wait until you "feel" like doing whatever you are putting off. That rarely happens. The key is to start with a small step ("baby step" if you will for the "What About Bob" fans out there) and that often creates momentum and the feeling to do more.