If you’re like me, you’ve probably experienced the chaos of waking up and diving headfirst into a day without a clear plan. The hours slip away, tasks pile up, and suddenly, you’re wondering where the day went. Brian Tracy’s Eat That Frog! (affiliate link) offers a solution to this all-too-common scenario in its second chapter, aptly titled, “Plan Every Day in Advance.”

At its core, this chapter emphasizes a simple truth: planning pays dividends. Tracy introduces a compelling concept—spend 10% of your time planning, and you’ll save 90% of the time that would have been wasted through disorganization or inefficiency. This principle might sound straightforward, but it’s profoundly transformative when applied consistently.
The Power of Planning
Research supports this approach. People who plan—even with something as simple as a numbered list—are three times more likely to achieve their goals than those who don’t. Why? Because planning transforms vague ambitions into actionable steps. It provides clarity and momentum.
Tracy compares this process to a quirky example from pop culture—the “underpants gnomes” from South Park. These gnomes have a three-step plan:
- Steal underpants.
- ????
- Profit!
While the humor lies in the nonsensical middle step, it highlights a real-world truth: without a clear and actionable plan, even the most ambitious goals remain out of reach. Tracy’s message is clear: define your steps, eliminate the question marks, and your path to success becomes achievable.
How to Plan Effectively
To make the most of your day, Tracy suggests these actionable tips:
- Write It Down: Begin each evening by listing everything you want to accomplish the following day. Putting it on paper or in a digital planner helps you externalize your thoughts, freeing up mental energy.
- Prioritize: Identify your “frog” for the day—the most challenging and impactful task. Rank your tasks in order of importance, focusing on what will move the needle.
- Chunk Your Time: Allocate specific time blocks for your most critical tasks. This minimizes distractions and ensures you tackle your priorities when your energy is at its peak.
- Visualize Success: Picture yourself completing your tasks. Visualization primes your brain for action, reducing resistance and increasing motivation.
My Takeaways
As someone deeply interested in time management and personal growth, this chapter resonated with me on multiple levels. It aligns closely with my approach to projects like my book, Think Again. Without a clear outline and actionable steps, writing such a comprehensive book would feel overwhelming. But breaking it into smaller, manageable pieces makes the process not only possible but also enjoyable.
I’ve also noticed that when I fail to plan—whether it’s my day, a project, or even my fitness routine—I fall into the trap of reacting to whatever seems urgent instead of focusing on what’s important. Tracy’s emphasis on planning reaffirms the importance of being proactive rather than reactive.
The 10% Rule
One of the most valuable takeaways from this chapter is the 10% rule: the small investment of time spent planning your day can lead to exponential savings in productivity. It’s a reminder that slowing down to think through your priorities isn’t a waste of time—it’s a superpower.
So, as you look ahead to tomorrow, take a moment to pause and plan. Write down your tasks, identify your “frog,” and allocate your time intentionally. That small effort could be the difference between a day that feels aimless and one that feels purposeful and productive.
As Brian Tracy reminds us: “Every minute spent in planning saves as many as ten minutes in execution.”
What will you plan today?