If you're someone who is constantly dreading dull tasks, it might be time to learn how to create joy while doing them. You've probably heard that happiness is a chemical that can be produced in our bodies by completing tasks. While that isn't entirely true, the chemical endorphins can help us feel good and therefore create joy while doing a dull task.
Finding joy in a seemingly mindless task is not difficult, and it starts with our attitude. For instance, if you're curious, you'll find enjoyment in learning about a new subject or a new technique. Similarly, if you're disciplined, you'll find joy in doing whatever it takes. In fact, you might be surprised how much joy you can get out of a mundane task if you know how to find it.
For instance, one study asked subjects to read out loud phone numbers. This task proved to be more boring for one group than for the other. Another group of subjects had to make bras out of cups - a seemingly trivial task, but one that was much more boring for both groups. You can create joy while doing boring tasks by taking control of your tiny signals, including your stance, your facial expressions, and the tone of your voice.
Researchers have also shown that daydreaming is linked to creativity. While daydreaming, Eastwood claims, ideas often blossom when you're bored. This is because boredom triggers mind-wandering. This in turn leads to creative ideas. So, it makes sense that it is necessary to make boredom more pleasant for our creativity.
One way to create joy while doing boring tasks is to change them into novel experiences. For example, you might eat food in an unusual way. This may make eating and drinking more enjoyable. By making these experiences novel, you can help disrupt your adaptation to daily tasks. You can even make these tasks more interesting by adding new ingredients.
Regardless of how boring your job is, you can still find ways to improve it. If you're working in an entry-level position and aren't enjoying it, consider pursuing an advanced degree in a field that interests you. Doing this can lead to a faster promotion and more interesting roles. You might also ask to be moved from a cubicle to a shared group work area.
Another way to create joy is to make the task more difficult. This will help you focus and reduce frustration. You can also create joy while doing boring tasks by lowering the expectations for those tasks. Increasing the standards can also improve the flow of work. Keeping high standards helps to sharpen the mind and increase flow time.