5 Ways to Make Boring Tasks Less So

"Work feels boring when it's repetitive or like there's nothing in it for us. It becomes more interesting when we're building something larger, like a valuable accomplishment, our skills, or our mental strength. Occasionally, we label a task boring when the bigger issue is that it stresses us out or triggers self-criticism. The stress of the task intensifies the boring aspects, and vice."

"Instead of your usual metrics, pick a specific element of your process to improve in each work session you do. This often involves honing your craft. For example, when writing a blog article, I might focus on better storytelling in my examples, or writing snappy headings. Focusing on something different than your usual success metrics makes the task more interesting. If you're stuck for ideas, think about starting or finishing your work session well."

"Try one of these five strategies to make what's mundane more meaningful and enjoyable. 2. Complete the Task With the Least Unproductive Mental Effort We often layer extra mental chatter into our activities. This could be worry, doubt, resentment, or self-criticism about the task. Try completing your task to the same high standards you expect of yourself, but without mental load that doesn't contribute to performing well."

Work often feels boring when tasks are repetitive or offer no perceived personal benefit. Tasks become more engaging when they contribute to a larger outcome such as a valuable accomplishment, skill growth, or mental strength. Stress and self-criticism can amplify boredom by increasing mental load during tasks. One strategy is to focus each work session on improving a single element of process rather than usual outcome metrics; examples include honing storytelling, crafting snappy headings, starting sessions with a game plan, finishing with momentum, or doing less pedantic work. Another strategy is to perform tasks to high standards while minimizing unproductive mental chatter like worry, doubt, resentment, and self-criticism.

Read at Psychology Today