Taking on Tasks You Hate

susandeath · 2016-05-07T17:50:55+00:00

I alternate things I hate with things I like, always doing the hated thing first.

For example at home I will wash my dishes, then I get to knit something or read a recipe book. At work, I type a section of board minutes, then I fight a match in my pc game.

I have found that alternating things I hate that must be done with things I like makes it easier to do the thing I hate.

VintageVee · 2016-05-07T23:18:48+00:00

I commit to doing it, then I switch off completely and go on autopilot and force myself through the motions. For a short task, or a run. Or a gym session, it doesn't matter if i enjoy it. It matters that I do it. That's it. Take joy out of the equation for half an hour - it's character building ! Not everything has to be honey and roses. X

jade_cat · 2016-05-08T20:11:43+00:00

I use two drastically different strategies, depending on the days:

I put on upbeat music and dance while doing my chores.
I practice mindfulness.

Irisandoleander · 2016-05-08T14:48:07+00:00

Oh yay! I'm so glad you picked up a copy 😊

I'm a suck up and do it kind of gal. I typically throw some music on and just get busy.

When I was in school for architecture there were weeks of long nights in the studio just hunched over a table drafting and cadding. Music pushes me through. Just have to keep the goal in the forefront of your mind.

DemonDigits · 2016-05-08T16:26:40+00:00

This will sound childish, but . . . Make believe!

As a little girl I made onerous tasks more palatable by escaping into pretend. Sometimes I'd be forced to clean the Death Star's restrooms by Darth Vader, who would later realize by how well I cleaned that I was his daughter, and he'd give up on Luke and choose me to rule the galaxy with him. Other times I'd pretend little animals were helping me with the tasks, fairy tale style. I can't remember half of the worlds I'd escape into. I wish child me wasn't so against keeping a journal, because I'd love to be able to read and remember it all.

I kept that habit from childhood, and it still works. I've always loved history . . . not the war stuff or important moments, but I love the little details about how people lived and whatnot (living history museums are like crack to me!). So as soon as I have to do laundry or some such, my brain transforms the machine into a washing tub with lye. The oven becomes a cauldron set in a massive fireplace. There's a lot of fun in everyday chores if you can keep hold of your imagination.

Ineverforgetmytowel · 2016-05-09T14:54:56+00:00

I used to HATE doing dishes, and before I grew out of that, or even when I'm tired and just don't want to do them, I will talk myself that I only have to do one or two items that I really need. Once those are done, and my hands are wet, I tell myself just one more.

I do this for chores too. Once one is done and I'm in the cleaning groove, I just add one more.

pxntmercy · 2016-05-10T20:45:51+00:00

Ugh, I just suck it up and get to it. Usually, I reward myself afterward with a few episodes of House of Cards or something to that effect so that I have something to look forward to.

Kittenkajira · 2016-05-07T17:41:16+00:00

1) Cooking. I’ve always liked eating things more than making them, particularly when there’s lots of chopping involved. To make it more enjoyable I’m going to try listening to an audiobook on my phone.

2) Vacuuming, steam cleaning, mopping floors. Next time I do one of these I’ll open up all the windows and daydream about how I might further landscape our beautiful yard. Focusing on the outdoors while doing a tedious indoor task will take my mind off it. Plus all that sunlight helps your mood!

3) Photographing clothing for my business. To turn it into a YAY I’m going to have a cup of tea and play music while I work.

4) The long walk to the mailbox. Our community mailbox is rather far away, and the mailperson comes at an inconvenient time – just before J is about to come home (he likes the mail checked every day, and hates people who drive to it). To make it more fun, I’m going to practice skipping. I used to love skipping about, but I haven’t done it in ages.

5) Cleaning. After breaking it down into tasks, I’m going to set a timer and see just how fast I can do each task. It’ll be fun!! It’s always surprising to discover that dreaded task you procrastinate doing takes a whole 7 minutes to do.

6) Litter box. This one probably falls under “just do it”. I can’t think of a way to make that more enjoyable!

tradmarriageftw · 2016-05-07T18:40:20+00:00

I usually put on music or a show as background noise if the task is something that doesn't much focus like dishes.

[deleted] · 2016-05-07T23:16:11+00:00

Listening to Audio books and podcasts .. this especially helps at the gym :)

Title	Taking on Tasks You Hate
Author	Kittenkajira
Upvotes	13
Comments	14
Date	May 7, 2016 5:39 PM UTC (10 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/RedPillWives
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/RedPillWives/comments/4iawx6/taking_on_tasks_you_hate/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/RedPillWives/taking-on-tasks-you-hate.210012 https://theredarchive.com/post/210012

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