5 ways to train your brain to enjoy doing the hard things (for better efficiency and excellent results!)

We all have a couple of tasks that we hate doing, but have to do - it could be studying a potentially difficult subject, cooking, doing household chores or even waking up early in the morning. However, since doing these tasks is non-negotiable, why not enjoy them along the way? Sounds easier said than done right? We know. However, with a few key strategies, you can achieve this, and in the process, become more efficient. Here's how...

Focus on the process first
Most people dream of big results, like getting fit or acing an exam. But if you only care about the end goal, the work can feel boring or painful. Instead, learn to enjoy the process itself—like the feeling of burning calories during exercise, or the satisfaction of solving a tricky problem. When you focus on the journey, not just the destination, your brain starts to find joy in the daily effort.

Practice habit stacking
Your brain loves comfort and rewards. You can use this to your advantage by pairing a hard task with something you already enjoy. For example, listen to your favorite music while cleaning, or sip a nice coffee while working on a tough project. This is called “habit stacking.” Over time, your brain starts to associate the hard task with pleasure, making it easier to get started and stick with it.

Celebrate small wins
Waiting for big results can be discouraging. Instead, notice and celebrate every small step—like finishing a chapter or making it to the gym. Each tiny win gives your brain a hit of dopamine, the “feel good” chemical, which helps you stay motivated. You can even write down your successes or give yourself a small treat. The more you celebrate progress, the more your brain will want to keep going.

Follow the 5 minute rule
Getting started is often the hardest part. Trick your brain by telling yourself you’ll just do the hard thing for five minutes. Once you begin, it’s much easier to keep going. This simple rule helps you overcome procrastination and builds momentum. Often, you’ll find you want to continue past those first few minutes.

Build it into a habit
Motivation comes and goes, but habits stick. If you rely only on feeling inspired, you’ll struggle to do hard things regularly. Instead, set up routines and systems that make it easy to take action, even when you don’t feel like it. For example, always study at the same time each day or lay out your workout clothes the night before. Over time, these habits become automatic, and your brain stops resisting the effort.