Figuring out how to automate them, when possible. Coding / scripting / debugging is more fun than tedious manual tasks, IMO.
this post was submitted on 14 Jan 2025
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tablet and streaming but does not work with loud things like vacumming.
For tasks that don't require much mental attention: daydream. Let your mind wander, or create stories in your head. I've been "working" on an idea for a novel for years--it's mostly something I think about to occupy myself when I'd otherwise be bored.
Related:
Listening to music at the same time.
Music definitely keeps my mind from wandering (and getting distracted) during boring tasks.
I listen to music, whether actual music or in my head.
Drugs.
Honestly this makes them worse
Have you tried a different drug?
I’m just referring to alcohol, so no. But I will say once you hit the age where alcohol makes you feel worse it makes all tasks worse. I cannot imagine ridding yourself the joy of small tasks being enjoyable though
Oh, alcohol is bad for you.
Don't think about it as "I have to do this". Think of it as, "I get to do this."
Be grateful for the things you have, the things you can do, and the people around you.
When you have a toothache you yearn for a time when you didn't. This hard work you are doing is the time without a toothache.
In every job that must be done
There is an element of fun
You find the fun and snap! The job's a game
And every task you undertake
Becomes a piece of cake
A lark! A spree!
It's very clear to see
That a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down
The medicine go down, the medicine go down
Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down
In a most delightful way
A robin feathering his nest
Has very little time to rest
While gathering his bits of twine and twig
Though quite intent in his pursuit
He has a merry tune to toot
He knows a song
Will move the job along
Oh, a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down
The medicine go down, the medicine go down
Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down
In a most delightful way
The honey bees that fetch the nectar
From the flowers to the comb
Never tired of ever buzzing to and fro
Because they take a little nip
From every flower that they sip
And hence (And hence)
They find (They find)
Their task is not a grind...
The 7 dwarves talked about "whistle while you work", many others have said music.
Personally I gamify tasks and try to make them more efficient, or if they're maxed out, enjoy the time I've saved and the efficient task and smooth running of a process. Then the focus becomes the process rather than the sometimes tedious nature of things.
If there's a job that must be done
You'll find it's much more fun
Don't pout, don't sob,
Just do a half-assed job!
If you cut every corner then it's really not so bad
Everybody does it, even mom and dad.
If nobody sees you, then nobody gets mad.
It's the American way!
Go slowly. Small tasks like washing the dishes can be enjoyable when done well
I used to struggle with mundane tasks, mostly on account of the lack of mental stimulation, until I discovered podcasts. This problem is no more for me, I can do dishes and fold laundry until the end of time now
Podcasts have been great. Sometime I go with a TV series episode on the phone on the side. If you really want to motivate yourself for a task then set a rule that you're not allowed to play an episode except for when you're doing that task. Now if you want to hear the next podcast episode, you'll have to do the dishes or ironing.
I occasionally watch some YouTube videos, but I favour podcasts as they are optimized for non-visual consumption - it's bothersome to watch the screen while doing something that requires attention from your eyes.
Delegate. It's so much fun when other people do em.
I love hard work, I could watch it all day.
Pot
Audiobooks. Sometimes my want to continue with a book has me purposefully doing some boring tasks.
In general, I try to knock out the hardest tasks first, that way everything just (hopefully/usually) gets easier from there.
There's a saying in this line of reasoning: "eat the frog first." The idea is that if you have to do something unpleasant (e.g., consuming a slimy amphibian), do it first thing, otherwise you'll be dreading it all day and it'll make your entire day worse. Get it done and out of the way, then you can enjoy your day (and the other tasks won't feel as bad in comparison).
When I'm doing exams I like to separate all the pencilwork with outlines for each question, but I like to do a different style every time. sometimes I tile them, sometimes I make weird patterns, and it is a bit of fun.
Use a daily circular habit tracker