6/18/23, 4:27 PM Making the Mundane Magnificent: A Fresh Approach to Everyday Tasks – Steve Pavlina

Making the Mundane Magnificent: A Fresh

Approach to Everyday Tasks
May 11, 2023

We all have those mundane tasks that we can’t seem to shake off our to-do lists – the
ones that make us sigh just thinking about them. But let’s challenge this mindset: Is
the task boring or are we approaching it with a boring mindset? What if the task isn’t
inherently dreadful, but we’re simply being uninteresting in how we approach it?
What would happen if we were to bring a fun, engaging, and playful mindset to
these tasks?

Consider the simple act of doing household chores. They can often feel tedious,
right? But let’s reframe. Instead of approaching them with a sense of dread, I often
pair them with something I find enjoyable. Listening to an audiobook or some
energetic trance music transforms the experience, turning a mundane task into an
opportunity for enjoyment or learning.

Another aspect that can drastically change how we experience these tasks is the level
of quality we bring to them. Doing tasks at a higher than normal level of quality can
make them feel more engaging. For instance, when cleaning the house, don’t just
aim to get it done. Aim to get it done exceptionally well. Take pride in the
cleanliness of your home. This mindset shift not only improves the result but also
makes the process more fulfilling. Challenge yourself to raise your standard above
the baseline minimum.

Shopping is another chore that often lands on the “tedious tasks” list. But who says it
has to be that way? When I go grocery shopping with my wife Rachelle, it becomes
an enjoyable shared experience. And when I go alone, I opt for off-peak hours,
making the experience quick and stress-free. Better yet, I’ll hold off until I’m in the
mood for a bit of physical activity. The key is flexibility – aligning the task with your
emotional state can make a world of difference.

Some tasks can wait until the right motivation or timing aligns. When Rachelle
borrowed the car to run errands last week, it was the perfect time to oil the garage
door – a task easier done with the car out of the way. Embrace these moments of

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serendipity when they come.

Staying organized also plays a big part in making tasks more manageable. I use the
Things app to set reminders for recurring tasks like changing the air conditioning
filters or adjusting the sprinkler timers for different seasons. This way, nothing slips
through the cracks, and it’s one less thing to remember. This also helps to spread
maintenance tasks throughout the year, so they don’t pile up too much.

Physical tasks can provide a welcome break from the mental exertion that much of
our work entails. There’s something satisfying about engaging with the physical
world and seeing the tangible results of our efforts. After I’ve done a lot of mental
work, I often enjoy chipping away at something physical for a welcome change of
pace.

Don’t underestimate the power of social connection. I discovered years ago that
finding a dentist with a great team made my regular check-ups something to look
forward to. Sharing stories about our recent travels or workout routines with the
hygienist while getting a cleaning made the experience more personal and enjoyable.
When I needed to get some plumbing work done last year, I held out till I found a
fabulous local plumber with many years of experience. He was a joy to work with all
throughout the project. Then I gave him a glowing 5-star review on Yelp.

The angle you approach a task from can drastically change how you perceive it. Look
for ways to make tasks more appealing and engaging, and you’ll find they’re not so
bad after all. It’s mainly a matter of being creative and thinking divergently. If the
standard approach is boring, reject the standard approach; otherwise you’re being
boring!

Above all, the universal motivator for me has been regular exercise. The
physiological benefits, such as rebalanced neurotransmitters and hormones,
permeate every aspect of life. Exercise enhances overall motivation, making even the
smallest tasks feel easier. If you have a dreadful relationship with certain tasks, look
at upgrading your exercise routine first. If it’s weak or nonexistent, that’s the #1
issue I’d recommend fixing first, not with a temporary quick fix but with a
permanent solution and a permanent mindset upgrade. Exercise is a great way to
explore how you’re going to fall in love with daily action. It’s the perfect reference
experience for discovering how to strengthen your relationships with all kinds of
tasks.

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6/18/23, 4:27 PM Making the Mundane Magnificent: A Fresh Approach to Everyday Tasks – Steve Pavlina

Finally, consider the impact of what you consume. For instance, I’ve noticed that
being caffeine-free (and chocolate-free) makes many tasks easier to complete. It
leaves me feeling more relaxed and at ease during the process. It’s certainly worth
exploring how what you consume affects your motivation and productivity. I often
change up my diet (always vegan of course) to align with the projects I’ll be doing.
When I need more motivation, mental capacity, and energy, I lean towards high raw
or fully raw.

The next time you find yourself faced with a mundane task, take a moment to
consider how you might refactor it. Is there an angle you can approach it from that
would make it more engaging? Could you combine it with something enjoyable or
meaningful? Could you bring a playful mindset to it? How can you elevate its
quality? Remember, the task is only as mundane as you allow it to be. Bring a sense
of wonder to it, and you’ll make it wonderful.

Don’t blame the task. Look inward and ask: How can I bring more fun and
engagement to this experience? In the end, it’s not just about getting things done, but
enjoying the journey.

You have the power to redefine your experience with everyday tasks. It’s not about
the task itself, but the mindset you bring to it. You might be surprised at how much
more enjoyable life becomes when you make the mundane magnificent.

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