Concentration and motivation are important prerequisites for working through even unpleasant tasks bit by bit. The closer and more positive the relationship you have with the task in front of you, the easier it will be for you to complete it.
Here are the two classic situations that reduce your productivity - and suitable solutions that enable you to build up an "emotional link" and still get things done.
Problem 1: A task overwhelms you
A task you don't know exactly how to tackle is as inviting as an insurmountable mountain. As much as you want to focus on the task at hand, you just can't get ahead.
For days you have been moving the information and documents for the upcoming presentation from one corner of your desk to the other, you have drafted several approaches and just as quickly discarded them again. As soon as you think about the presentation, you dread it. Anger at your own incompetence and panic arise: Will you still make it in time? Time seems to be slipping away between your fingers.
Solution:
Break the ice by establishing a relationship through a small detail of the task. First get closer to the content. Do an internet search or read specialist literature that deals with the topic.
Use the "salami tactic": break down difficult and new work into subtasks. You will probably find that slice 2 is already familiar to you, and slices 3 and 4 are comparable to a task you have already done very well. Only slices 1 and 5 you don't know - for this you need more information.
Start at the point that is easiest for you - this does not have to be the beginning. After all, you will have plenty of time later to put the project components together. In any case, stick to the set start date and do not give in to the pressure to do something else.
Problem 2: A task underchallenges you
Concentration and motivation can also be difficult to muster if you feel underchallenged by a task - even then the emotional link is missing.
For example, when bookkeeping is due: Sorting receipts, filing, bringing travel expense reports up to date. Sifting through the mess and putting it in order is not exactly an exciting challenge - besides, you really don't have time for that now ...
How often have you put off a task because you feel bored? Most of the time it's not very challenging tasks like filing, mail or copying. And soon, in addition to the displeasure, there is even annoyance at the amount of time needed. After all, there are more important things to do.
Solution:
Try to change your perspective. Don't think "Filing is taking up a lot of my time again", but "Now I'll get an overview of agreements made and open invoices again". See the bigger goal behind the task.
Break tasks into smaller chunks of time. Instead of a whole afternoon, work regularly for half an hour on each project. Challenge yourself to bring more excitement to boring tasks. For example, look for the best system to complete filing tasks faster using the assembly line principle. Or organise races against yourself.
The basic rule: Put unpleasant tasks into the larger context of your goals.
No matter whether a task is unpleasant, very difficult or yawningly boring: it will always be easier for you to tackle it with motivation if you know what you are doing it for. So if you have set goals for yourself and the task is important for achieving them. An unpleasant task is then simply a necessary step on the way to the goal.
The desire to achieve these goals creates a very effective emotional link. Whether these goals are professional or private, unusual or very down-to-earth, does not matter.
