It’s Just Not Exciting. How to get things done when there’s no dopamine.
Let’s be honest some tasks are just boring.
Not dramatic, not soul-sucking, just... bland.
And when there’s no urgency, no spark, and no instant payoff?
Your brain is like, “yeah, maybe later.”
It’s not because you’re lazy or unmotivated, it’s because your brain is wired for reward.
It craves stimulation, novelty, and that little hit of “oooh, something’s happening!”
So when you’re staring down the world’s least thrilling to-do list item, sorting invoices, writing captions, scheduling emails, your brain starts plotting its escape. (I know mine definitely does.)
Cue: Instagram scroll, snack break, reorganizing your pens for the third time.
But here’s the truth:
Boring doesn’t mean pointless.
Sometimes, the least exciting tasks are the ones quietly building your freedom, stability, or future opportunities.
So, how do you make your brain care again?
Here’s how to give dull tasks a little dopamine boost, without forcing yourself to become a robot.
1. Add your own sparkle.
Bring in sensory rewards.
Light a candle, make your favorite coffee, put on that playlist that makes you feel like a main character. Set a 20-minute timer and treat it like a mini challenge.
You’re not doing “boring admin” — you’re doing “CEO vibes with a latte.”
2. Connect it to your bigger “why.”
Ask yourself: Why does this matter to the version of me I’m becoming?
If I do this small, annoying thing now, what freedom, fun, or fulfilment does it buy me later?
Example: “If I get these client emails done today, I can spend tomorrow morning working on my new idea — guilt-free.”
Or, “If I finally do my taxes, I can book that weekend adventure without a single ‘should’ hanging over my head.”
Reconnect the task to your purpose. It’s not just a spreadsheet — it’s self-respect in action.
3. Reward progress — not perfection.
Use a Reverse To-Do List.
No joke this WORKS!
Instead of obsessing over what’s not done, write down everything you have done, even the tiny stuff. Each ticked box gives your brain a little dopamine hit, proof that you’re moving.
You’ll be shocked how motivating it feels to look back at your list and realize, “Oh wait, I am actually doing the thing.”
4. Make the finish line visible.
When a task feels endless, your brain checks out.
So shrink the scope — what’s the “done for now” version?
ou don’t have to clean the whole studio — just clear your desk.
You don’t need to plan your entire launch — just outline the first step.
Momentum builds faster when you make progress measurable.
Here’s the honest talk:
Not every part of your dream will feel dreamy.
Sometimes, following through looks like doing the boring thing, however, now it’s with good music, a cozy vibe, and the reminder that this tiny step is getting you closer to what actually lights you up.
If it’s dull, give your brain some sparkle.
Progress is the payoff.
If This Hit Home… Here’s How I Can Help
If this post made you nod and think, “yep, that’s me,” then you’ll love what’s going to be inside Follow Through School — my 4-part course designed to help creative minds turn big ideas into calm, consistent action.
You’ll learn how to stop overthinking, follow through on your goals, and actually finish the things that matter — without burning out, forcing motivation, or losing your spark.
Briana x
