Getting Stuff Done (Even When You Don't Want To)

Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

Have you ever had something you really needed to get done, such as an assignment for school (me most of the time) or a task for work? This task looks super boring, but it needs to get done for one reason or another. Trying to even start it feels like torture, and avoiding seems like a much better option. 

Well, I have this happen quite a bit to me, especially with class work for my college classes. The following post is going to detail several strategies I have come up with that can help. 

Solution #1: Deadlines and Impending Disappointment

One of the most reliable solutions to this problem for me begins before the task is even assigned, and that is to have a deadline. And for some people, this means that they can just make up a deadline, maybe set a reward for meeting it, and complete it no problem. This strategy tends to not work for me because I know who made up the deadline (me) and they are full of shit. 

What does work for me is to have someone I know and respect make the deadline. For example, I am more likely to complete something for a class than to complete it by myself on my own time. This works even better if I have a professor I like and respect, because I do not want to disappoint them. 

Another way to implement this strategy is to work in a group. This can be a bit hit or miss depending on the group, but if you get assigned your part in the group project, you do not want to disappoint your project mates, do you? No! So this helps to push you to getting things done. 

TL:DR

Have someone you respect/ is in a higher position than you make and enforce deadlines for you. Or, work in a group (some exclusions apply).

Solution #2: Make a Plan

Another easy way to get started is to write down all the steps that need to be done in order to finish the task. Make sure to break these steps down until each one is only one step, otherwise it is not helpful. Then, once, you have completed a step, you can cross it off of the list. You can try starting with the hardest thing first to get it over with, but I have the most success starting with something easier and working my way up to the harder things. 

TL:DR

Make a list of easy steps and check it off!

Solution #3: Ask For Help 

This one works very well for me when I use it, but I always forget or chicken out of actually asking. Some options of help to ask for are to body double with you or to get frequent check ins to keep you on task. 

The idea of a body double is to have someone in the same room (or on a video call) working on something at the same time as you. They do not have to be working on the exact same thing. The one thing to watch out for is to make sure that your body double will not distract you, as that just defeats the whole purpose. There are also body double videos on YouTube that can work. I will link to some down below. 

Another way you could ask someone to help you is to have them check in on you semi-frequently. This might not work for some people, but I find that it can be helpful in a pinch. Just have them check in at regular intervals, such as every 30 minutes to an hour, and ask how you are doing. 

TL:DR

Ask for help! Some ways they can help you are by body doubling or by checking in regularly. 

Solution #4: Make The Task More Fun

A different approach to this problem is to try and make the task more appealing to work on so that you actually want to do it. For example, you could listen to music or a podcast while working on something. Or, you could use a fidget while listening to a lecture or meeting. 

This solution can work, but mileage can vary and it can be easy to be distracted from the original boring task. 

TL:DR

Try listening to something while working on the task. Or, if it is a listening/ watching based task, use a fidget while completing. 

Solution #5: Change Locations

Sometimes, all you need is a change of scenery. Try changing where you are working on things. This could be working at a coffee shop, a library, or even a different room in your house. Best practice is to not work from your bed as this could mess up your sleep schedule, but if you have something that works for you, keep doing that until it stops working. Then, you can just change locations to somewhere else in your house. Continue the cycle ad infinitum. 

TL:DR

Try changing locations to spice things up a bit.

Solution #6: Only Do a Little Bit

If doing the whole assignment or task seems impossible (either via time constraints or your brain catastrophizing) try doing only the part of the assignment that you think is possible. Maybe there is one part that seems relatively easy, but the rest is confusing or feels like too much. Start with what feels doable and go from there. If the rest does not seem so bad you can keep going, but if you need to stop, at least you showed you tried!. I tend to forget that only doing part of something is an option, as I only think about doing or not doing. A majority of the time, all or nothing thinking is a lie. 

TL:DR

Do some of the task, it's better than nothing! 

Solution #7: Pros and Cons

The question is, does the task actually need to be completed? To find out, make a pros and cons list, either written out or in your head. If the cons of not doing the assignment outweighs the pros, you should probably do the task. And always remember to factor in that you can always do part of the assignment (I always forget that part). 

TL:DR

Make a list of pros and cons to see how important the task is. 

Resources

Check out the HowToADHD YouTube Channel for some other great tips on getting things done!

Also check out the Anti-Planner for more tips on getting things done!