You deal with monotonous tasks every day—whether it’s work, cleaning, or some endless to-do list.
It’s frustrating, but figuring out how to tackle them smartly can make your life smoother and your mind sharper.
1. Break it into chunks
How to do it: Divide the task into manageable sections. For example, if you’re cleaning your house, tackle one room at a time instead of thinking about the whole place. Start with the easiest or most urgent part.
What not to do: Don’t over-plan. Spending hours breaking it down without starting is a trap. Also, avoid vague divisions like “work on this for a while.” Be specific. Say, “I’ll complete these three slides” or “respond to five emails.”
Do it right: Keep the chunks small but clear. Assign time limits to each chunk so you don’t dwell on one part too long. Move on, even if it’s not perfect. Progress beats perfection in monotonous work.
2. Gamify it
How to do it: Create fun rules. For example, “If I finish this in 30 minutes, I’ll grab a snack I love.” Or track your speed and try to beat your best time.
What not to do: Don’t overcomplicate the game. If your “reward system” becomes a chore itself, you’ll lose momentum. Avoid rewards that interrupt your flow, like watching a full episode of a show between tasks.
Do it right: Keep it simple and immediate. Use small, meaningful rewards. For example, a short walk after finishing a task or crossing off a checklist item. These little dopamine hits keep you going.
3. Change your mindset
How to do it: Remind yourself why the task matters. If you’re stuck on data entry, think about how it supports your bigger goal, like a promotion or a successful project. Reframe it: “I get to do this” instead of “I have to.”
What not to do: Don’t lie to yourself. Pretending it’s “fun” won’t work if it’s clearly not. Also, don’t dwell on how much you hate the task—it’ll only drag you down further.
Do it right: Find one real, tangible benefit of completing the task. Maybe it frees up your weekend or earns you praise. Focus on that, and keep reminding yourself when the frustration creeps in.
4. Mix it with something enjoyable
How to do it: Add something fun to the process. Play upbeat music, put on a light podcast, or choose an inspiring workspace. Make the environment work for you.
What not to do: Don’t pick distractions that require too much focus, like watching TV or reading articles. Avoid multitasking with something unrelated to the job—you’ll just slow down and get frustrated.
Do it right: Choose passive enjoyment that complements the task. A motivating playlist while exercising or a podcast while cleaning works well. Keep it simple and background-focused.
5. Set a time limit
How to do it: Use techniques like Pomodoro—25 minutes of work, 5 minutes of rest. These cycles make tasks feel bite-sized. Adjust timing to fit your flow.
What not to do: Don’t ignore breaks. Working non-stop burns you out, even if you’re on a roll. On the flip side, don’t stretch breaks too long, or you’ll kill your momentum.
Do it right: Use timers or apps to stay disciplined. Stick to the schedule. If 25 minutes feels too short or too long, tweak it—maybe 40 minutes with a 10-minute break suits you better.
6. Stay physically comfortable
How to do it: Set up your space properly. Sit in a comfortable chair, keep lighting good, and eliminate distractions like clutter. Stretch or move around if you start feeling stiff.
What not to do: Don’t ignore discomfort. Sitting awkwardly or squinting at a screen will drain your focus. Avoid working in places where you’re constantly interrupted.
Do it right: Prioritize ergonomics. If you’re working long hours, invest in a decent chair or standing desk. Keep water nearby, and don’t forget to stretch during breaks.
7. Shift perspective
How to do it: Treat the task as mental training. See it as a chance to improve focus, discipline, or patience. Stay present and actively engage with what you’re doing, even if it’s repetitive.
What not to do: Don’t let your mind drift to unrelated thoughts or resent the task. Complaining in your head or zoning out makes it drag even more.
Do it right: Take it one moment at a time. If your mind wanders, gently bring it back. Tell yourself, “This is just practice for something bigger.”
8. Automate or batch similar tasks
How to do it: Use tools to automate repetitive parts, like scheduling software or email filters. Group similar tasks together, like responding to emails in one sitting instead of scattered throughout the day.
What not to do: Don’t do everything manually if there’s a faster way. Research tools to save time, but don’t over-engineer the solution. Simplicity wins.
Do it right: Look at what’s repetitive or time-consuming. Find a tool or process that cuts steps out. For example, templates for repetitive writing tasks or pre-set reminders for deadlines. Batching lets you focus better and finish faster.
These are your strategies to make dull work less miserable. Focus on action, not perfection. Keep experimenting to find what clicks for you.
Rewire your Brain and Do the Work
My newsletter gets to the heart of why monotonous tasks feel so soul-sucking—it’s not the task, it’s how your subconscious reacts to it. I’ll help you rewire those deep mental habits so you stop fighting against yourself and start finding flow, even in the boring stuff.
