This quote emphasizes the importance of prioritizing tasks based on their difficulty. The underlying principle is that by tackling the most challenging tasks first, you expend your highest energy and sharpest focus on these tasks. Once these are completed, the remaining tasks, being less demanding, will seem easier to handle and thus, will ‘take care of themselves’.

This approach is known as ‘eating the frog’, a concept popular in time management and personal productivity. The ‘frog’ represents your hardest task, and ‘eating’ it first thing ensures you are not spending the whole day dreading it. It’s about overcoming procrastination and the human tendency to put off difficult tasks.

In today’s fast-paced world, this idea is even more relevant. With the constant influx of tasks and responsibilities, it becomes essential to prioritize them effectively. This strategy can be applied in various areas such as project management, academic work, household chores, and personal goals. For instance, a student might choose to study the most challenging subject first when preparing for exams, or a project manager may decide to tackle the most complex part of the project at the beginning.

In terms of personal development, this principle encourages individuals to step out of their comfort zones and face their fears or challenges head-on. It could be applied to anything from learning a new skill, improving health and fitness, or overcoming personal weaknesses. By addressing the most difficult aspects first, individuals can experience significant growth and improvement.

Furthermore, this approach can also lead to a sense of accomplishment and boost self-confidence, as tackling the hardest tasks first often requires courage, resilience, and determination. It teaches the value of perseverance and can lead to improved problem-solving skills, as the individual is forced to find solutions to overcome their biggest challenges.