The Plucky Jester

How I Stay Motivated When My To-Do List Feels Boring

Does this sound familiar?

I have plenty of energy for fun stuff—like binge-watching my favorite YouTube series at 5:30AM. But when my to-do list feels boring and I face the tasks that truly move my life forward, I hug that snooze button like it’s my favourite teddy bear (or teddy octopus, but that’s a story for another day).

So, you can probably imagine, staring at a list of these tasks feels about as fun as doing taxes. In those moments, I’ve found that linking each boring task to a big, meaningful “why” can flip my reluctance into real drive.

Connecting Boring Tasks to My Big “Why”

Back in 2020, I had to send dozens of DMs to potential collaborators. 

I kept hesitating, worried about rejection. What turned things around was reminding myself why I was doing it:

  • Step 1: Those 100 DMs would help me find people to test my animal welfare coloring book.
  • Step 2: Testing would let me shape the book into something special.
  • Step 3: A great coloring book could shine a light on the lives of factory-farmed animals.
  • Step 4: More awareness and donations could help reduce animal suffering around the world.

Even though reducing animal suffering is a big goal and feels far away, connecting each DM to that purpose made every click of the SEND button meaningful.

Simple Steps to Beat a Boring To-Do List

When your to-do list feels boring, try these simple steps:

  1. Pick One Task: Choose one boring task you’re avoiding.
  2. Ask “Why?”: Write down what finishing this task will help you do.
  3. Dig Deeper: Keep asking “Why does that matter?” until you find a big, exciting purpose.
  4. Keep It Visible: Write down your chain of reasons and put it somewhere you can see it while you work.
  5. Celebrate Small Wins: Reward yourself when you finish a step—each small win matters!

Tracking My Progress

I’ve learned that even when my tasks seem dull, tracking my progress makes a huge difference. Here’s how I do it:

  • Daily: I count how many messages I send.
  • Weekly: I note the number of positive replies.
  • Monthly: I see how many friends test my ideas.
  • Quarterly: I look for signs that my work is changing minds about animal welfare.

Seeing even tiny steps of progress keeps me moving forward, even on days when my to-do list feels extra boring.

Balancing Big Dreams and Small Steps

I’ve realized that staying motivated is all about balancing the big picture with small, simple actions. When I feel stuck:

  • If my to-do list feels overwhelming, I focus on just the next three tasks.
  • If I start doubting the value of my work, I remember the stories of how small actions can create big changes.

This mix of dreaming big and acting small helps me stay on track, even when the work feels boring.

Over to You!

Now it’s your turn.

What’s one boring task on your to-do list this week?

Try tracing it back to a big, exciting reason why you’re doing it.

How does that change the way you feel about your work?

If you found these ideas helpful, you might also like: 

Q: How can I stay motivated when my to-do list feels boring?
A: I stay motivated by connecting every task—even the boring ones—to a bigger purpose. When I know each step matters, it becomes easier to get started.

Q: What does “motivation for boring tasks” mean?
A: It means finding a personal reason to complete even the dull, everyday tasks. By linking them to a meaningful goal, you turn routine actions into steps toward something important.

Q: How do I connect a boring task to a larger purpose?
A: Start by asking yourself why the task is necessary. Write down the chain of reasons until you reach a goal that excites you. This simple exercise turns each task into a purposeful step.

Q: What are some simple steps to beat a boring to-do list?
A: First, pick one task and ask “why does this matter?” Then, break it down into small, manageable actions and reward yourself for each completed step.

Q: How can I measure progress on boring tasks?
A: I use simple metrics like counting daily actions (e.g., messages sent), noting weekly feedback, and tracking monthly outcomes. Seeing progress—even in small steps—boosts my motivation.

Q: What if I still feel unmotivated?
A: It’s normal to have off days. If you feel stuck, focus on just the next small task or take a short break. Sometimes, shifting your perspective can help reignite your drive.

Q: Can these tips work for any boring task?
A: Absolutely! Whether it’s a work project or a household chore, linking tasks to a larger purpose can transform even the dullest task into a meaningful action.