How to Clear That Dreaded Task Off Your To-Do List

I’m writing this before I dig into a written assessment (better known as a test) for a program I recently completed.

I loved the program, learned a ton, and can’t wait to pass the assessment so I can officially say I’m a trained facilitator in this method and bring it even more deeply into my work with clients.

But actually completing the assessment – 38 one-paragraph responses and 3 long-answer questions – is not giving me that tingly “face the sun” feeling in my body that I get when something is a heck yes. 

So I busted out my go-to approach for when I have a task or project I’m not excited about. My teacher Martha Beck called this the 3 Bs: 
 

Bag it. Barter it. Better it.  

Bag it 

Do you really have to do the thing? Can you just…not? Can you bag it and cross it off right now? 

In my case, I absolutely could. I could choose not to do the assessment, or to retake the course next year and complete the assessment then. But I do want it done, and I’m excited about putting a bow on this part of my training. So I'm not going to bag it.

If you can’t bag something, the next question is, can you…

Barter it

Can someone else do it for you? Can you hire someone or trade services? 

Not going to work for me with this test. Not ethical, not interested. So bartering is a no in this situation. Which leaves me with…

Better it

How can I make the experience of doing the thing a bit more pleasurable? 

This is the sweet spot for me today. I'm digging in while the kids are still at camp and the house is quiet. I moved to the porch so I can feel the breeze and listen to the birds. I just made a big Arnold Palmer and snagged a few butterscotch chips from the pantry. When I’m done with drafting today, I’m going to take a hot shower and then walk down to the bridge to look at boats with my daughters. 

Am I giddy about writing this wicked long test? No, but I’m not dreading it, either, and the experience of it is now so much sweeter than if I were to just gut through it at the dining table. 

Try it out

Your turn. Grab your to-do list (work or personal, doesn’t matter) or write down three things you know need to get done. 

Find the thing that makes you groan when you think about doing it, and take it through the 3 Bs.

Let me know how it goes for you!