Not all things we have in our daily routine or to-do list is inspiring or exciting on any level. Some tasks are important to be done but are dull and extremely boring. These are the tasks you don’t really look forward to through your day like doing dishes, fixing things, routine work tasks, etc.
The point being, the majority of us have tasks we have to complete each day but we in no way enjoy it and sometimes dread it. It hangs over our heads and we let it put a cloud over part of our day.
The question is, what can you do to stall this procrastination and get the work done? How can we get going with the tasks that we are not a big fan of? The following are some tips that can help you stay motivated and find joy in the mundane tasks:
1. Be mindful
Practicing mindfulness while doing mundane tasks like sorting paper or doing laundry is a great way to keep yourself motivated. Keep your focus absolutely undivided and senses on just whatever work you are doing. Do not get lost daydreaming. Refrain from thinking about how your day was, or any past/ future events. Just focus on what you are doing at the moment. The simple act of being mindful can turn your daily chores more enjoyable.
2. Think less, work more
As far as mundane tasks are concerned, try not to think much about it. The more you think of the boring tasks, the more boring it seems in your mind. Making it harder for you to break the inertia and get going with the work. Think as little as you can about the work, instead take the decision and start doing the work. For instance, if you have to copy a hard file into excel, your thinking about it won’t really get the work done. Instead, it will just make you feel miserable and hinder other work until you get done with it. So, the best thing to do here would be to decide and work, right away.
3. Ask for help
This is the best way to make these daily tasks much more enjoyable. Doing things we dislike is definitely more fun if we have a company of a friend or a family member. I personally never liked going out for grocery shopping. I used to get in the departmental store, pick up the stuff I need, and make the exit in almost no time. Now, I have made a couple of friends with whom I go for weekly shopping. The same can be done for other household tasks, you can have your spouse or roommate give you a hand while washing dishes or doing laundry.
4. Combine some enjoyable tasks
Most of the tasks that are boring do not require much focus. If you try combining it with something you enjoy, the tasks become not just bearable but also interesting in some cases. I really like listening to my favorite podcast show while I do something which is seemingly boring. You may listen to music, diffuse some essential oils, call a friend while you finish your task at hand. There are chances that you will start looking forward to doing all these tasks if you make it cherishable.
5. Reward yourself
Every time you finish a mundane task, reward yourself with some positive reinforcement. When you have a pile of mundane work ahead of you and have no motivation to do it, you may remind yourself of some material reward. The reward could be a piece of dark chocolate, a piece of dessert, or relaxing five minutes on the couch. This way you just do not have a long-run payoff but also a short term reward to gain immediately after you are done.
6. Remember why you are doing the task
Instead of just thinking of how boring the task is or how will get it done, instead shed lights on why you are doing what you are doing and how will you feel when the work will be done. If needed, sit down, close your eyes, and see how good you will feel once the task will be done. Also, keep it in your mind, what will happen if you procrastinate the work. Remember that you will have to do this work later if not now.