Why 'Swallowing the Frog' is So Tricky – and How It Could Be Costing You

We've all faced it — that one daunting task lurking on our to-do list. It stares at us like a monster under the bed, growing in size as we push it aside. For over 1 million people, that task was filing their self-assessment tax return before the January 31 deadline.

The challenge here comes down to a mindset described by the phrase "swallow the frog". But why is this concept so difficult to follow? Let’s explore its origins, why we often procrastinate on tough tasks, and how this affects something as crucial as tax deadlines.

The phrase "swallow the frog" is attributed to Mark Twain, who famously said, "Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day."

In practical terms, it means starting your day by tackling the most difficult, unpleasant, or important task on your list—the one you’re most likely to avoid. Once that task is complete, the rest of the day feels more manageable.

What Does Swallow the Frog Mean?

In a previous life I was a teacher and it was during my time in education that I first heard this phrase from a motivational speaker who was a former headteacher. He explained how he would always handle his toughest challenges at the very beginning of each day:

• The difficult phone call to a frustrated parent.

• Tricky feedback for a staff member who wasn’t meeting expectations.

• Managing the most disruptive pupil in the school.

The advice stuck with me and it has become a habit that I seem to apply to most aspects of my life. For example, tackling the things that I find most challenging in the office before I even boil the kettle for my morning cup of tea or exercising (which I continue to have a love/hate relationship with) as early as possible in the day.

I've found that it's about removing the mental weight of that "frog" so you can approach the rest of the day with clarity and energy. But I also understand from a first-hand perspective how tempting it is to avoid these tasks—just as many of us now avoid other priorities in our personal or professional lives.

The Origins of My Battle with the Frog

Fast forward to today, and the tax filing deadline is the perfect example of frog-swallowing failure. According to HMRC, more than 1 million taxpayers missed the self-assessment deadline this year.

Why does this happen? There are a few common reasons:

• Fear of complexity: Taxes can feel overwhelming, especially for those with complex financial situations.

• Uncertainty: Many people worry about making mistakes on their return.

• Distractions: Day-to-day responsibilities take over, and tax filing keeps getting postponed.

However, the longer you put off tax obligations, the worse the consequences become. Interest and penalties start to build up, creating a bigger problem than the initial task itself.

Tax Time and the Procrastination Problem

If you’re someone who struggles with tax procrastination (or any big task), here are a few strategies to help:

1. Identify your frog: Recognise the most important and challenging task on your to-do list.

2. Start small: Even if it’s just logging into your tax account or gathering receipts, any progress can reduce the mental barrier.

3. Use deadlines: Set smaller, manageable deadlines ahead of the final due date to keep yourself on track.

4. Get help: Sometimes, the best way to tackle a tough task is to ask for guidance. If tax worries are holding you back, a professional can provide clarity and direction.

Breaking the Cycle:

How to Swallow the Frog

While we can't wake you up with a megaphone and bully you into a gym session, we can help you 'swallow the frog' in relation to tax worries or questions you may have.

For example, if you're one of the 1.1 million people that have missed the self-assessment filing deadline, don't despair, it's fixable and you are certainly not alone.

However, now is the time to take action and minimise penalties. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to catch up.

At The Tax Faculty, we understand the pressure of tax obligations and can guide you through the next steps. Whether you need to file your return, deal with late penalties, or plan for future deadlines, we’re here to help.

Time to Act

Capital Gains Tax Expertise: The Tax Faculty LLP Managing Partner Charles Tateson Named UK Capital Gains Tax Advisor of the Year 2023

The Finance Monthly Taxation Awards recognises the achievements of tax professionals from around the globe.

Winning such an award is no small feat. It is a reflection of hard work, extensive knowledge, and an ability to navigate the intricacies of the UK tax system.

Read more about Charles and the award here.

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