Do the Work You Hate First

Perhaps "hate" is a strong word but even for those of us who LOVE our jobs, there are tasks within that job that we probably have a strong dislike for. As is human nature, it is the tasks and work that we dislike, that we tend to put off as long as possible or NOT do. This, of course, can create problems when it comes to overall job performance. Instead of procrastinating on the unpleasant tasks, find a way to do those first, get them out of the way, and savor the part of your job you do like. This may lead to improved job satisfaction and an overall sense of accomplishment and completion.

This may sound incredibly simple and remind you of "eat your vegetables, and then you can have dessert" AND it is pretty much the same philosophy. The truth is, most of us fall victim to avoiding the parts of our job that are no fun or that we just do not like for whatever reason. Instead of shunning them, why not consider some alternatives: one is to find someone else to do them. Perhaps you can "trade" something you do not like for a task that a coworker dislikes? Of course, you will want to make sure this works as far as job performance and that your supervisor doesn't have a problem with it, but a trade might be one way to get it done.

Additionally, consider "rewarding" yourself for unsavory tasks. For example, if you hate filing, tell yourself that if you file for an hour one morning a week, you can then have a "treat" with your morning coffee or spend some extra time on a task you enjoy. This also may sound like a simplistic "trick," but knowing that there is a light at the end of the tunnel can make it more manageable.

Consider scheduling the work you hate early in the week and/or day. This way, you won't be tempted to put it off even more as you get worn down with a work day or a long work week. Many of us do just the opposite, we tell ourselves we'll "get to" those tasks we hate at the end of the week and then they continue to get shelved as other things pop up.

Make a work plan that includes those unpleasant tasks and stick to it. Divide up the stuff you hate and do a little each day or over the course of the week or month as part of a written work plan. This may help you to stay accountable as you do the tasks so you can move on to the part of your job you enjoy.