Every workplace has its tools, processes and frameworks. Less formally, it also has sayings – the phrases and mantras we fall back on when the to-do list grows, pressure builds, or motivation dips. These aren’t clichés for the sake of it. The best ones act as mental shortcuts: they simplify decision-making, reduce procrastination, and help us manage energy as much as workload.
Below are some of the mantras for our team that genuinely stand the test of time in day-to-day working life, and why they matter.
Tackle the Hard Thing First
“Eat that frog.”
The principle is simple: start your day with the most difficult, uncomfortable, or mentally demanding task. Once it’s done, everything else feels lighter.
Why it works:
- Removes procrastination early
- Reduces background stress from “looming” tasks
- Creates momentum and a sense of control for the rest of the day
Practical application:
Identify one task each morning that you’re most likely to avoid. Do it first, before emails and meetings take over.
Take Pride in the Work You Put Your Name To
“Your name is on your work – make it worth signing.”
This is about ownership and professional integrity. Regardless of role or task size, the standard you apply reflects your personal brand.
Why it works:
- Encourages consistency, not perfectionism
- Builds trust with colleagues and clients
- Reinforces accountability without micromanagement
Practical application:
Before handing something over, ask: Would I be comfortable defending this decision or output? If not, refine it.
Let Results Do the Talking
“Work hard quietly; let success make the noise.”
In an age of constant visibility, this mantra is a reminder that sustained delivery matters more than constant self-promotion.
Why it works:
- Keeps focus on outcomes, not optics
- Reduces burnout from performative busyness
- Builds credibility over time
Practical application:
Channel energy into execution and follow-through. Make impact measurable, not just visible.
Love the Work – But Be Realistic
“Love what you do… but accept that you won’t love it every minute.”
Every role includes admin, repetition and unglamorous tasks. Acknowledging that reality helps avoid frustration and guilt.
Why it works:
- Normalises dips in motivation
- Prevents disengagement when work feels monotonous
- Encourages sustainable pacing
Practical application:
Deliberately schedule small pockets of work you enjoy around heavier admin days to rebalance energy.
Write It Down and Ruthlessly Prioritise
“If it’s not urgent, park it.”
When everything feels urgent, nothing truly is. Writing tasks down externalises mental load and creates clarity.
Why it works:
- Reduces anxiety caused by holding everything in your head
- Helps distinguish urgency from importance
- Enables calmer decision-making under pressure
Practical application:
Maintain two lists:
Revisit the second list later, without guilt.
Progress Beats Perfection
“Progress over perfection.”
The pursuit of the perfect solution often delays learning, delivery and value.
Why it works:
- Encourages momentum
- Enables faster feedback loops
- Reduces over-engineering and scope creep
Practical application:
Aim for “good enough to test, learn and improve” rather than “perfect but late”.
Balance the Plain and the Cream
The biscuit tin rule: plain before cream.
Some tasks are necessary but dull; others are more rewarding. Treating enjoyable work as a reward can improve discipline without draining motivation.
Why it works:
- Encourages completion of essential but boring tasks
- Builds in positive reinforcement
- Makes workload feel more balanced
Practical application:
For every two “plain biscuit” tasks, consciously allow yourself one “cream biscuit” task as a reward.
Why These Mantras Matter
What all these sayings have in common is practicality. They don’t promise constant motivation or perfect balance. Instead, they offer simple frameworks for:
- Managing energy
- Reducing overwhelm
- Improving consistency
- Maintaining perspective under pressure
In busy workplaces, the right mantra at the right moment can be the difference between spinning plates and making steady progress.
The key isn’t adopting all of them – it’s finding the one or two that genuinely change how you approach your working day and using them consistently.