Discover hidden fun by asking one simple question
You’ve just sat down to tackle that dreaded monthly report, the one that feels as dry as stale toast. Your shoulders slump, and you tell yourself it’s going to be another slog. Then you spot the bright Post-it stuck to your monitor, daily miracle in plain sight: “What would this look like if it were fun?” Instinctively, you smile—maybe the day isn’t lost.
You decide that every table you fill in becomes part of a fictional treasure map—you’re an explorer charting unknown lands. You play your favorite adventure soundtrack quietly in the background, and suddenly the columns aren’t just numbers—they’re coordinates leading to hidden treasure. You find yourself gliding through the data, surprised by how quickly the work flows.
This small flip, you realise, echoes the science behind dopamine triggers and task framing. By reframing a dull chore as a playful mission, you’ve tapped into your brain’s reward circuitry. You’re not just ticking boxes; you’re chasing gold. It might seem small, but this trick can transform any tedious task into an energizing challenge.
Next time you’re staring at a boring to-do, remember to ask: “What would this look like if it were fun?” Pin that question where you can’t miss it and jot down three off-the-wall ideas—maybe add music, time yourself, or role-play the proud announcer of your own cooking show. Pick the idea that makes you grin and dive in. You’ll complete the task faster and actually enjoy it—give it a shot tonight.
What You'll Achieve
You’ll shift your mindset from dread to curiosity, boosting your enjoyment and speeding up completion of routine tasks.
Turn your chore into a game
Spot your least appealing task
Identify one task you’ve been dreading—studying a dry chapter, writing a report, cleaning your workspace.
Ask the fun question
Write “What would this look like if it were fun?” on a Post-it and place it where you’ll see it before starting.
Brainstorm three tweaks
Spend 2 minutes listing three creative changes—adding music, timing yourself, involving a friend—to make the task enjoyable.
Implement your favourite tweak
Choose the tweak that excites you most and apply it immediately when you begin the task.
Reflect on the result
After you finish, note one sentence on how that tweak shifted your mood or speed.
Reflection Questions
- What small twist could make an otherwise dull task interesting?
- Can I identify a soundtrack or theme that ties into my daily chores?
- How did reframing the task affect my energy and focus?
- Which of my brainstormed tweaks was the most fun and why?
- How can I apply this question to bigger projects?
Personalization Tips
- If you hate writing emails, pretend you’re composing a witty letter to a friend while adding upbeat music.
- Dreading the treadmill? Time your run to match your favorite podcast chapter, making it a time-trial challenge.
- Avoiding grocery meal prep? Turn it into a mini cooking show for yourself or roommates with improvised commentary.
Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You
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