How do you stay focused at work when the work bores you?
5
11 Comments
11 Comments
Kim Allcott
106
Business Development Director
02/09/21 at 7:50PM UTC
Sometimes focussing on the outcome/end goal can help :)
2
Reply
Aly Brine
1.46k
a little corporate a little hippie alotta hustle
02/09/21 at 8:03PM UTC
I'd recommend asking yourself if you're still growing in that position and if it might be time to consider moving onto something else!
User edited comment on 02/09/21 at 8:03PM UTC
5
Reply
EMILY KIKUE FRANK
258
Emily is the founder of Career Catalyst
02/09/21 at 8:22PM UTC
I cut in lots of little breaks (even just as simple as standing up every 15 minutes or so and stretching a little), and then I add something rewarding at the end of a longer stretch. Like I'll make myself a really nice lunch and agree internally that I have to have gotten through whatever tasks in order to have that nice lunch.
1
Reply
Estar Upia
216
Business Ops & Comm Guru, Solopreneur
02/09/21 at 8:22PM UTC
I've been there! If you're able to, listen to podcasts that inspire and motivate. Keep a pad next to you, and spend part of the day jotting down interesting ideas as you work. Bookmark a couple of blog posts or interesting articles to read during the workday. Stand up and walk around, if possible, when you feel like you need to just move away. Hope these little suggestions help!
6
Reply
Alexis Gladstone
641
Leadership, Sales and Change Expert
02/09/21 at 9:01PM UTC
I do what Emily said. Also, if it's only part of your job that bores you, I try and do that work during the hours I'm most productive. Some of us are productive in the morning and others in afternoon. Find you sweet spot and do the least motivating stuff then. It will feel much easier.
2
Reply
Jacquelyn Lloyd
532
HR Consultant
02/09/21 at 9:18PM UTC
Set timers and do the thing you are dreading most first.
3
Reply
Tanika (Nika) Vasquez - (she/her)
367
Dynamic, forward-thinking business professional
02/09/21 at 9:20PM UTC
Yes, Estar; that is what I do. We have to keep ourselves motivated and inspired. I also listen to audio books on Audible. I am currently listening to The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni. I recommend journaling - ideas (how you can make this task more fun), feelings, (why you feel that the task is boring), gratitude (what are you grateful for), and self-reflection (what can you learn from your work day? what can you do differently). Journaling has helped me show up different and approach work strategically.
1
Reply
Shanita Taylor
285
Author, Leadership Certified & Life Coach
02/10/21 at 7:12AM UTC
Find things you can do that will help with boredom. Some listen to music or chat with co-workers about work things. Think of ways you can make your job easier or better. Think of a work-related goal and come up with a plan, then execute. Just don't get distracted and let it take away from your performance. Hope this helps. Be great.
Reply
Kelley
79
Higher Education professional in Upstate NY
02/10/21 at 2PM UTC
Try to first think of why you’re bored. Is it that you don’t have enough tasks to keep you busy through the day? Or is it because you’re not interested in the work you’re doing? If it’s the former, try to find where there may be additional tasks you can take on or suggest something new for the company/department. If it’s the later, I recommend taking a look at what you have an interest in and see if it’s something that can be incorporated into the work you currently do. If that’s not possible and your interest lies outside the work you’re doing, it may be time to consider a different field or position.
1
Reply
Sarah Macholdt
68
Enthusiastic teacher seeking a new path!
02/10/21 at 3:37PM UTC
I have this problem as well. Thanks for all of the great ideas!
Reply
Liz Milne
62
02/10/21 at 7:30PM UTC
I break the boring bits up into manageable segments. I'm a freelance writer and I get a fair amount of work writing product descriptions, which is fine, but a bit boring. My other clients ask for creative writing, which I love, and I also proofread professionally, which I also enjoy. So, if I only have one or two boring tasks, I do them first so they're done and out of the way, leaving time for the fun ones - but if there's a lot, I'll do, eg, ten product descriptions, one fun piece, ten more descriptions, another fun piece, and so on, trying to time it so the fun pieces last as long as the product descriptions! (Unless one of those jobs is more urgent in which case I bite the bullet and get that one done in full straightaway :) )
1
Reply
Looking for a new job?
Our employer partners are actively recruiting women! Update your profile today.
The Fairygodboss Feed
We're a community of women sharing advice and asking questions