A challenge for communicators is to continually tackle the work we do, regardless of how fun and exciting it is. Sometimes, it’s downright boring. This five-part series tackles boring vs. fun in church communication.
As creatives in ministry, we have fun jobs. We get to come up with and work on the new and next cool thing at our church. But unfortunately, with all the fun comes a lot of boring. I love this quote about photography: “It is 10% creativity and 90% moving furniture.” I think that principle applies to all types of creative endeavors.
We all deal with the tension between the fun and the boring. We all want to work on the fun stuff—developing a new campaign, researching the latest technology, planning the latest strategy, being part of the team working on the new Easter special, etc. But all that come with the equivalent portion of the boring (paperwork, budget, procedures, follow-ups, etc.) in communication (proofing, updating, maintaining, archiving, documentation, etc.).
Here’s the most important thing I’ve learned in my 25+ years of work life regarding this constant tension: Mile two means absolutely nothing without mile one. This principle helps me remember that:
- It’s a package deal. The basics (including the mundane and boring) come with the fun stuff. To choose between the fun and boring is like choosing between the car and fuel. Stopping to get gas is not fun but it is not optional or a choice.
- I depend on it. The fun parts (mile two) of projects are built on the foundation of the boring parts (mile one). Imagine an amazing looking website with tons of spelling errors and outdated information.
- Boring or fun is up to me. Attitude is a choice. Focusing on the larger purpose of why we do what we do regardless of our mood or the “fun-ness” of the task at hand is a powerful motivator.
Embrace this truth. You may be surprised to find that, in time, the boring stuff starts to become enjoyable.
What are some ways that help you deal with the necessary boring stuff that come with your work?
- Read part 2: Earning the Privilege
- Read part 3: How to Prevent the Boring
- Read part 4: Boring for You, Fun for Someone Else
- Read part 5: Stay Grounded in the Basics
Ricardo
October 22, 2012
Interesting. Isn’t this also something with just the attitude you have towards it. I use to work in jobs that I just hated doing. So I thought of them as boring and hated doing it.
Now I am blessed to do what I do. I wake up every morning working on clients websites and spend my free time thinking of new ways to do it. I also spend lots of time reading articles on web design and churches. For me thats fun but I also just love what I do, the good and the bad.
Joy
October 23, 2012
Great post–it’s a good reminder when we see all the flash/beauty online that there are many, many boring pieces done behind the scenes to get the final product looking that way.
Being self-employed, I find that using the fun stuff as a reward works well. If I have a lot of boring work that needs to be done, I set a timer and get it done and then I enjoy the fun, creative work.
Kelvin
October 29, 2012
“using the fun stuff as a reward” Great tip!