YSK that starting with the easiest tasks and working your way up is actually more productive than finishing the harder ones first

With the way your brain works, by starting with the hardest tasks/assignments, you are exhausting your mental endurance. Any following tasks are going to be dealt with in a reckless manner, as your brain thinks it finished all of the hard work.

Alternatively, by working your way up, you give yourself boosts of rewarding chemicals with each completed assignment, while also "stretching" your brain as you go.

I have found this most useful with things like homework assignments and papers, but this can be applied in any situation, such as yard work and chores. Obviously with those latter two you are not testing your mental endurance as much, but the reward center is still triggered by the accomplishments.