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In a perfect world we would all have jobs we love, we would whistle as we did chores with seven little mythical creatures helping us along the way, and our children would listen to every word you say.  However, our lives are not always perfect, so the trick is finding ways to enjoy the unenjoyable.  This 3 minute exercise can change your perspective and help you get through the unenjoyable moments so you can focus on the good things in your life.

Step 1: On a piece of paper, write down the one thing you really, really dread, for example doing taxes, commuting to work, or doing chores.

Step 2: Make three columns under your “dreaded” item and label them:

Step 3: In the column labeled Why I need to do it?, write down why you do this dreaded activity (e.g. taxes or commute). This should be fairly easy.  You need to commute to get to and from work so you can get paid. You need to do your taxes because it is the law. Remember to just spend 60-seconds on this list and if you can not think of a reason why you need to do it (PTA meetings? a book club you loathe?) you may want to reconsider if your time is better spent elsewhere.

Step 4: Why I want to do it?  This may be the hardest 60-seconds, because who wants to do taxes or go into an office where politics and incompetent workers reign?  Remember it is all about perspective.  Even if you cannot stand your boss, do you enjoy having lunch with your co-workers? Do you enjoy opening your paycheck so you can pay the mortgage or even go out to dinner.  You want to do your taxes because you will have the next 364 days as tax free worry! There is always a silver lining to every cloud, and keeping the positive in mind makes you remember that even the most unenjoyable events in your life add something positive to your day.

Step 5: Who else can do it?  They last 60-second activity is all about togetherness.  If your budget allows, can you get an accountant to help with taxes or can you hire someone to come in and clean once a month?  If you do not want to spend money on the dreaded events, and who does, make them a social event. Throw a “I waited until the last minute Tax Party” to crank out your 1040 or ask a co-worker if they want to share part of the commute. And don’t forget enlisting your family to help out!  Children as young as 2 years old can help with age appropriate chores around the house.  So often we think we have to go at these horrible tasks alone, but doing things together may put your dreaded activity into a new light.