For me, it was Condensed Interim Financial Statements 2. But at some point, most of us have probably had to endure the misery of reading an exceptionally tedious document, the kind of document which fills you with dread even before you start actually reading it. Naturally, instead of getting it done, you keep thinking about what you could be doing instead. Suddenly, even the TV show you would typically turn off begins to seem appealing. In the end, you decide that reading the document is just too mundane and irrelevant. The next day at work, you quickly realize why not having done it was a bad idea when your boss waltzes over to you and asks for your feedback. You quickly find yourself in a pickle, scrambling to think of an acceptable answer.
Unfortunately, even though we can’t always avoid boring tasks, there are ways to help you deal with them. First, it is necessary to accept that some things in life are, well, boring. However, with the right approach, you can turn almost any mundane task into an interesting one. Second, recognize that boredom is simply a signal that you have to change something about the task. To combat boredom successfully, determine why you find the task dreadful. Is it too challenging or too easy? Do you think it’s unimportant or unnecessary? After you have assessed the reasons why you feel bored, you should approach the task in one of the ways described below.
If the task’s complexity is a problem for you, you can adjust it to better suit your needs by making it either harder or easier. For example, if you don’t feel challenged, you can combine simple tasks with more complex ones by simultaneously exercising or listening to music. On the other hand, if you are struggling because the task is too hard, reduce distractions and break it into smaller chunks, as I explained in the previous life lesson. Keep in mind that although listening to music can make an easy task more enjoyable,it may make a hard task close to impossible to complete.
Another way to deal with a dull task is to make a game out of it. For example, if a task is too easy, you can turn it into a competition—challenge yourself to complete the task in the shortest amount of time possible.Likewise, you can play the following game—every time you complete a task, you earn points, which eventually lead to rewards. Or you can take a step further, and make use of sophisticated games. You may have heard about Run Zombies Run! It is a mobile game about trying to survive the zombie apocalypse. The game gained popularity and achieved massive success, becoming one of the highest-grossing health & fitness apps. Why did it become so successful? The app connected playing an entertaining game with a physical activity. No, you are not just running; you are on a heroic mission to save people from zombies!
Additionally, you can reframe an activity to be more meaningful. Consider how the task ultimately contributes to your long-term goals. Perhaps completing it is a stepping stone for the promotion you’ve been eyeing or a way toward a healthier lifestyle.
In the end, even if you try everything to make them interesting, some things will still sometimes feel boring. But if you are persistent, you may sometimes be in for a surprise. With time, you may start to like it! It is known that some activities become rewarding after reaching a certain level of skill required for them. You know what? Maybe this particular one will too! It is certainly worth trying. In any case, the next time you sense the signal called boredom, you now know how to answer it.
References:
boredom is simply a signal: Daniels, L. M., Tze, V. M. C.,& Goetz, T. (2015). Examining boredom: Different causes for different coping profiles. Learning and Individual Differences, 37, 255–261. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2014.11.004; Westgate, E. C. (2019). Why boredom is interesting. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 29(1), 33–40. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721419884309
adjust it to better suit your needs: Westgate, E. C. (2019). Why boredom is interesting. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 29(1), 33–40.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721419884309
Another way to deal with a dull task: Cotton, V.,& Patel, M. S. (2019). Gamification use and design in popular health and fitness mobile applications. American Journal of Health Promotion, 33(3), 448–451.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0890117118790394
reframe an activity to be more meaningful: Westgate, E. C. (2019). Why boredom is interesting. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 29(1), 33–40.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721419884309
It is known that some activities become rewarding: Fong, C. J., Zaleski, D. J.,& Leach, J. K. (2014). The challenge–skill balance and antecedents of flow: A meta-analytic investigation. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 10(5), 425–446.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2014.967799