There’s a world of difference between forcing yourself to do a task and tricking your brain into wanting to do it.
The secret lies in psychology: Forcing yourself to do a task feels like punishment, but with a little bit of mental manoeuvring, you can turn it into a game.
How do you trick your brain into finishing those tough tasks? Well, I’ve learned some clever ways that could help you out.
In this article, I’ll share seven ways you can trick your brain into conquering those hard tasks with ease.
These are strategies smart people use, and believe me, they’re game-changers!
1) Break it down
Here’s something we all know: big tasks can be intimidating.
The sheer size of them can feel overwhelming, which often leads to procrastination.
Well, it’s time to outsmart our brains.
Ever heard of the saying, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.”
That’s exactly what we need to do here.
Breaking down a big task into smaller, manageable parts is a proven way to make it feel less daunting.
It eases the mental burden and makes the task feel achievable.
Think of it as a puzzle: You don’t try to put all the pieces together at once, right?
You start with one piece, then find its match, and slowly but surely, the image starts to take shape.
The next time you have a monster task looming over you, remember this trick.
Break it down into smaller parts and tackle them one at a time—also, don’t cheat yourself by making the subtasks too easy or too hard.
2) Use a reward system
You know, one trick that works wonders for me is using rewards.
It sounds simple, right? But it’s actually a powerful psychological tool.
It’s all about the concept of positive reinforcement.
Here’s how I do it: I promise myself a treat once I finish a difficult task.
It could be anything from a coffee break, a short walk, or even just five minutes on my favorite mobile game.
Recently, I had to finish up a massive report for work.
The deadline was looming and the task seemed endless—so, I decided to use this trick.
I broke down the task into sections and assigned each section a small reward—ten minutes of my favorite podcast, a snack, or a quick chat with a friend.
And guess what? It worked like a charm!
Each time I completed a section and claimed my reward, I felt motivated to dive into the next one.
Set up a reward system for your tasks—you’ll start associating hard work with positive experiences and before you know it, you’ll be breezing through your tasks.
3) Leverage the power of deadlines
Deadlines—we all have a love-hate relationship with them.
However, there’s no denying their effectiveness when it comes to getting things done.
This isn’t just an observation, it’s backed by real science.
Research shows that setting a deadline for a task can significantly increase the chances of completing it.
This phenomenon is known as the Yerkes-Dodson law, which states that a certain level of arousal (in this case, the pressure of a deadline) can improve performance.
Setting a deadline creates a sense of urgency as it tells your brain that the task is important and needs to be done within a specific timeframe.
Whether it’s a big project or a small task, set a deadline for it and stick to it.
4) Visualize the end result
Sometimes, the best way to motivate your brain to finish a task is to help it see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Visualization can be a powerful tool in your productivity arsenal.
Imagine how you’ll feel once the task is completed; picture the sense of accomplishment, the relief, and the satisfaction—get a clear mental image of this positive outcome, and hold on to it.
This strategy works because our brains have a hard time distinguishing between reality and imagination.
When we visualize a positive outcome, our brains release dopamine, a chemical that makes us feel good and motivates us to take action.
The next time you find yourself dreading a difficult task, take a moment to visualize completing it successfully.
5) Embrace the power of music
I can’t begin to count the number of times music has been my savior during tough tasks.
There’s something about putting on my headphones and losing myself in my favorite tunes that makes even the most challenging tasks seem manageable.
For me, it’s all about creating a playlist with songs that uplift me and keep my spirits high.
However, it’s not just about the type of music, but also the rhythm and tempo.
I’ve found that upbeat tracks help me power through tasks faster.
Research also supports this: Music can boost mood, improve focus, and increase productivity.
Whether it’s Mozart or Metallica, find what resonates with you and let the music play.
It’s not about escaping the task but creating an environment where you feel motivated and energized.
6) Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is not just a buzzword; it’s a strategy that can help you complete tough tasks.
It involves focusing your attention on the present moment, calmly acknowledging and accepting your feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations.
When you practice mindfulness, you bring your mind back to the task at hand instead of letting it wander to other things.
You’re able to give your full attention to the work, which can make it easier to complete.
A simple way to practice mindfulness is by focusing on your breathing.
Take slow, deep breaths—inhale, exhale, and feel the rise and fall of your chest.
This simple act can help bring your focus back to the task at hand.
Try practicing mindfulness—you’ll be surprised how much more you can accomplish when you’re fully present in the moment.
7) Believe in yourself
At the end of the day, the most powerful trick to completing hard tasks is to believe in your own capabilities.
It’s about having the self-confidence to know that you can tackle and overcome any challenge that comes your way.
Self-belief is not just about positive thinking.
It’s about acknowledging your strengths, learning from your weaknesses, and having the courage to step out of your comfort zone.
When you believe in yourself, you send a powerful message to your brain that you are capable, competent, and ready for action.
This can give you the motivation you need to start and finish difficult tasks.
Trust yourself—you have what it takes to succeed.
Every task, no matter how difficult, is an opportunity for growth and learning.
Final thoughts: It’s all in your head
The beauty of the human brain lies in its adaptability.
With a bit of clever nudging, you can train it to tackle even the most daunting tasks.
These tricks are not about deceiving your brain but about understanding its mechanisms and using them to your advantage.
From breaking down tasks to visualizing the end result, each technique taps into a different aspect of cognitive functioning—they’re all about creating a mental environment conducive to productivity and accomplishment.
Use these tricks, adjust them to suit your needs, and watch as your productivity soars.
After all, the most powerful tool you have is your mind!
