Category Growth

Here are 10 lessons from Eat That Frog that will help you beat procrastination and get more done:

1- You tackle the hardest task first – You don’t avoid the big, scary to-dos. You face them head-on and get them done early.

2- You plan before jumping in – You take a few minutes to map out your day instead of winging it. It saves you hours later.

3- You know what really matters – You focus on the few tasks that bring the biggest results, not just the ones that keep you “busy.”

4- You think long-term – You choose tasks based on their impact, not just their urgency. Future-you will thank you.

5- You don’t try to do it all – You let go of the low-value tasks so you can give your best energy to what matters most.

6- You prioritize like a pro – You know the difference between “must-do,” “should-do,” and “nice-to-do”—and act accordingly.

7- You focus on key strengths – You zero in on the areas where you add the most value and keep sharpening those skills.

8- You make time work for you – You accept you’ll never get everything done, so you double down on what counts.

9- You move fast when it matters – You act with urgency, knowing that momentum beats perfection every time.

10- You stay disciplined – Even when it’s tough, you do what needs to be done. That’s how results happen.

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In leadership, as in life, progress often depends not just on those who climb but also on those who support. The image below is a powerful metaphor for mentorship, leadership development, and the role of The Mentor’s Compass in guiding individuals toward success.

The figure at the top of the ladder represents ambition, progress, and personal growth. This is the leader, the changemaker, the individual striving to reach new heights. But what we often forget is the silent force at the bottom—the person holding the ladder steady, ensuring that the climber can ascend without fear.

At The Mentor’s Compass, this is the role we play. We provide the foundation, the structure, and the guidance that leaders and aspiring changemakers need to grow confidently. Whether through one-on-one coaching, leadership training, or career development, we stand as the unwavering support that allows others to rise.

Great leaders are not just those who climb the ladder; they are also those who recognize and appreciate the hands that hold it steady. True leadership is about lifting others, mentoring the next generation, and ensuring that progress is sustainable and inclusive.

So, as you reflect on your own leadership journey, ask yourself: Are you climbing with gratitude? Are you supporting others as they climb? Because true leadership is not just about reaching the top—it’s about making sure others can follow.

At The Mentor’s Compass, we are here to guide, support, and empower. Let’s build a future where every leader is both a climber and a steady hand for others.

Reflections from 22 Years in the Classroom

Staying focused in a world full of distractions isn’t just a skill—it’s a survival tactic. Over my 22 years as a university professor, I watched countless students struggle with focus, fighting battles against the endless distractions of modern life. Observing their challenges and working through my own struggles taught me one valuable truth: staying focused requires both strategy and discipline.

In my classroom, I often told my students, “If you let distractions control your time, you lose the chance to control your success.” Whether it’s the constant buzz of notifications, the lure of entertainment, or the overwhelming demands of life, distractions are everywhere. But with the right strategies, focus can become your greatest weapon.

One of my favorite methods for encouraging focus was creating a sense of urgency. I would set a timer on the board during class activities. Watching the countdown wasn’t meant to scare my students but to give them a visual reminder of how much time they had left. This simple tactic helped sharpen their focus and showed them the importance of working efficiently. A timer isn’t just for the classroom—it’s a powerful tool anyone can use to stay on track.

Beyond managing time, I learned that making work more engaging can significantly improve focus. Cal Newport, a professor and productivity expert, explains that our brains crave novelty. Routine can dull our attention, but changing the environment can make even the most mundane tasks feel exciting. Instead of studying in a quiet room, why not work in a coffee shop or a garden? If the weather’s nice, take your work outside. Turning work into an adventure not only makes it enjoyable but also boosts productivity.

But real focus goes deeper than just changing your environment. Cal Newport’s concept of deep work transformed my perspective on productivity. He defines deep work as distraction-free professional activities that push your cognitive abilities to their limits, leading to exceptional results. I shared this with my students often, using the story of Bill Gates as an example. Gates wrote the first version of BASIC in just eight weeks by dedicating himself to deep work. He worked so intensely that he would collapse on his keyboard, nap for a few hours, and then continue. That focus laid the foundation for Microsoft’s success.

Deep work isn’t just for tech geniuses. It’s increasingly valuable in today’s world, where shallow work—tasks done distractedly—dominates. I taught my students to distinguish between shallow work and meaningful work. While the former offers little value, the latter transforms how we use our time and improves productivity. By focusing on meaningful tasks, we can achieve more in less time.

One key lesson I shared was the importance of working in short, intense bursts. This approach, borrowed from physics’ principle of high input leading to high output, has always proven effective. Concentrating fully for a short period produces better results than dragging out tasks over hours with distractions.

Escaping distractions is another critical strategy. The modern world is designed to steal our attention, from the constant ping of notifications to the chaos of noisy environments. Protecting focus means finding quiet spaces and disconnecting from technology when needed. I often reminded my students that focus isn’t automatic—it requires effort and intention.

Focus isn’t just about avoiding distractions; it’s about cultivating a mindset of growth. I encouraged my students to approach their work with a sense of purpose, constantly striving to improve by 1% every day. Small, consistent efforts compound into extraordinary results over time.

As I reflect on my years as a professor, I see focus as the secret weapon for success in a distracted world. Whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, or professional, the ability to focus deeply is your superpower. These strategies helped me guide countless students, and I hope they help you too. Stay focused, stay adventurous, and remember: the battle against distraction is worth fighting.

Here’s the hard truth:

Distractions are everywhere, but they don’t have to control you. With the right mindset and strategies, you can stay focused, grow, and succeed in any area of life.

What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to staying focused? Let’s talk about it.