What do you do when you have to get it done anyway? The ability to make it work when the work itself does not engage you is a skill—and like any skill, it can be honed and applied to all areas of life. Here are some strategies to push through and even find surprising benefits along the way.
1) Gamify Your Tasks
Get a dopamine boost when you inject some fun into your work, by turning it into a game. Can you beat the clock and finish a section before your timer goes off? Or perhaps you could compete with yourself to see if you can improve your speed and accuracy over time. Try apps that track progress or setting up friendly competitions with colleagues.
2) Set Mini-Goals to Build Momentum
Consider breaking the work into smaller, manageable chunks, and set mini-goals for each step. If you’re feeling unmotivated, the idea of completing the entire project may feel overwhelming. When you focus on one small task at a time, you can create a sense of progress and accomplishment. Reward yourself for meeting these mini-goals, even if it’s just a short break or a treat.
3) Connect the Work to a Bigger Purpose
While the task at hand might seem meaningless, think about how it fits into your larger goals and world view. Is it a stepping stone to your next career move? Could it help you develop skills you’ll need in the future? Do other people or the planet benefit? By linking the work to a more meaningful personal objective, you can find the motivation to engage.
4) Use the Power of Implementation Intentions
An implementation intention is a research-supported strategy where you decide in advance when and where you’ll take specific actions to reach your goal. For instance, instead of vaguely deciding to “work on the report later,” create a concrete plan: “If it’s 2 PM, then I’ll work on the report for 30 minutes.” This technique reduces the mental energy needed to start the work and keeps you committed, even if your motivation is low.
5) Batch Similar Tasks Together
If you have multiple boring tasks to complete, try batching them together in an intentional work session that ends with a natural reward. This can be more efficient than spacing them out over several days, and you’ll free up more time for activities you truly enjoy. Plus, the feeling of having a productive “get boring tasks done” session can feel satisfying once the work’s all done.
6) Shift Your Perspective and Focus on Growth
Do you want to build your resilience and work ethic? By reframing work as a chance to develop these traits, you can stay productive, maintain your motivation, and possibly even discover a new level of grit and perseverance you didn’t know you had. You can do hard things with discipline, patience, and perseverance—qualities that can serve you well in any work.
7) Schedule Time for Engagement Elsewhere
No matter what you see on social media, no one’s life is 100% engaging. A well-rounded schedule that includes both obligation and passion is key to sustaining motivation in the long run. Knowing that you have something to look forward to—a hobby, quality time with friends, or a rewarding side project—can make the tedious parts of work feel less so.
Not every moment in our lives will be filled with work that inspires us. However, how we approach those moments can change your mindset about them. You have the ability to make it work when the work itself does not engage you. And if you decide to seek work elsewhere, these traits will serve you well in your job search, too.
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