7 Reasons Why Recurring Tasks are Important for a Meaningful Life

We continuously have to repeat the same tasks in life. Again and again and again... Sometimes it seems to be a never-ending loop of recurring tasks, yet they are the glue that keep us together. We see this at work, in our homes, and with our families, friends, and colleagues.

There are many times where I stop and ask myself, do I need to do this again and again and, if so, why? Therefore, I thought that I would list some of the main motivators for most of our recurring tasks:

1. Active Life Maintenance
   
   First and foremost, recurring tasks help us maintain our lives professionally and personally. Regularly taking care of ourselves and what is necessary, no matter how often we have to repeat these tasks, help us keep our lives in good shape and healthy. They also allow our families to feel that life is stable and in control.



2. Reliability and Trust
   
   Knowing that certain things are taken care of regularly frees up everyone's mind. Since you are are reliably taking care of required tasks, you trust yourself and your children, family, and friends trust you. In return, you are most likely receiving the same. Importantly, this also includes the trust you receive at the office from your boss and co-workers.



3. Greater Stability
   
   Trust and reliability immediately lead right into stability, which is something that we all crave. Only through maintaining a certain stability in our daily lives, can we breathe easier and feel more comfortable in taking on new situations and adventures. Your family, friends, and co-workers are also more comfortable in joining you on different endeavors.



4. Improved Relationships
   
   Being dependable may not be the most exciting adjective to describe you, but it is very valuable nonetheless. Family, friends, bosses, and co-workers will feel more comfortable with you, because they know you are taking care of the tasks with which you are entrusted. Which inevitably ends with improved relationships with all of your favorite people.



5. Enhanced Self-Motivation
   
   Something we all know is that by repeating tasks we become better at them. The more often we repeat the important daily jobs, including the parts in our home life, the quicker and more efficiently we can take care of the recurring tasks anywhere. That alone should give you a good sense of self-motivation to accomplish almost anything.



6. Personal and Professional Growth
   
   Knowing that the basics are taken care of, will free up your mind to pursue other things more freely. You will feel more able to take on new projects or adventures. This leads to both personal and professional growth. Something not only you but everyone else around you will benefit from.



7. Great Time-Fillers
   
   If nothing else, recurring tasks are great time fillers. You can do them in between projects when you have a bit of free time or if you need to change your focus on something else. Taking on one or two of your recurring tasks, even the smaller ones, will often fit in your schedule when you least expect it. They can also be great team projects with family and friends, bringing you closer together on family goals.

Further reading:

7 Little Habits That Can Change Your Life, and How to Form Them (particularly points 1. and 7. ) at zenhabits.net

Handling Recurring Next Actions at tools-for-thought.com