Banishing Boredom: Three Ways to Make Work More Engaging

There is a very fine line between being comfortable at work (secure in your expertise, wielding it with precision) and being uninspired by the sameness of it all.  

Boredom happens in every job, it’s a product of predictability and repetitiveness, which also happen to be two key things that can make work less stressful – it’s a balancing act.  

So, while you are waiting for that next challenging assignment to come through, or to help you through a slog of mundane work (we’re talking to you, COVID back-log) here are three ways to beat the boredom blues, making your work stand out in all the right ways:

1. Tune-up to tune into focus work.  Music makes a difference, particularly when you have work that requires your undivided attention (but may not be the most exciting assignment in the world).  Create your own playlist, or use one from a service (like Spotify or iTunes).  Worried you’ll tune out?  Most services have an excellent selection of various “focus” playlists offering smooth instrumentals (from classical to new age) so you can find the perfect soundscape to move through your work with accuracy, leaving your wellbeing (and your career) intact.
   
   
2. Segment for success.  While it may be tempting to power through a dreary task just to get it done, that is not the path to success, or accuracy.  Doing work (especially focus work) in 1-hour batches and then taking a movement break (or switching to more engaging work for a while) helps your consistency and precision.  This way the work gets done on-time with intention and quality so you look good (and keeps your head in the game at work).
   
   
3. Dangle a juicy carrot.  Rewards work!  What will you do to celebrate when this piece of work is complete?  Even if it is work you are going to have to do again next quarter (or next month/next week), celebrating when you finish strong can motivate you to keep going and to do so with a supportive attitude that keeps your energy levels stable.  Whether it is an indulgent seasonal beverage, or a copy of your favourite magazine, making this a ritual gives you something to look forward to… you know, after the work is done.
   

While there will always be an aspect of every role that is boring, make sure to keep an open mind and open dialog with your manger so they know what types of work interest and challenge you.  

When your boss knows what types of problems you like to solve, you’ll find more of that work gets on your desk, making you relevant and enriching your career.

When you keep yourself engaged, you show-up at work in positive and noticeable ways, empowering others to trust your work. 

Bored at work?
You don't have to be.
Find out what is next for you in your career.
This one is on the house ;-)

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