Want to know a little trick to getting things done? Make them more meaningful.
We assign values to activities dozens of times a day without even having to think about it. Some tasks are identified as unimportant, or boring, but still must get done. Like chores. Other tasks might be meaningful, but there is some sort of mental block that stops us. Like writing that book we’ve been mulling over for years.
Rather than let our subconscious assign a value to these activities, it’s time we took control! It’s time to dig up and reactivate that tool we used all day every day as kids. Our imagination.
How, you ask? The first step is to allow ourselves to have a little fun. Things can get silly.. but don’t worry! No one has to know but you!
Unloading the dishwasher? No! You’re a surgeon putting away your instruments.
Fixing a wooden fence? Absolutely not, you are definitely patching a battleship that just took a direct hit. Hurry, save your crew-mates!
Silly? Yes. Does it work? Double yes. These, of course, are extreme examples. But you are allowed to have fun.
There are also much less silly ways to apply meaning to a task.
We don’t even have to imagine ourselves as an international spy to get through a giant stack of unorganized mail or as a fighter jet pilot to mow the lawn. We can also simply think about how good it will feel when these activities are completed. The bit of weight off the shoulders, the dopamine rush of a mission completed.
Sometimes, imagining a task completed gives it enough meaning and value, and is all the motivation we need to get started. Think about the end result, and the beginning will follow.
Right now? I’m going to imagine my raised garden beds full of compost and soil, ready for planting, rather than think about having to shovel that first scoop of dirt.
Or maybe I’m an archaeologist, uncovering an ancient mystery… 😉
Warm regards,
Jimerson Adkins