Chords sound boring? Change their rhythm, not the chords

Keep the chords and change their rhythm. Holding every chord for a full bar sounds static. Play the same chord as a pattern of short stabs instead, and put a few of them just before the beat (on the 'and'). The harmony doesn't change, but the part starts to move and groove with the drums.

How to do it

1. Write your progression with each chord held for a bar.
2. Cut each chord into short notes: try hits on 1, the 'and' of 1, 2-and, 3 and 4.
3. Move one or two hits a 16th early, so they land just before the beat.
4. Vary the note lengths: some short and punchy, one a bit longer.
5. Keep the bass simple underneath so the rhythm of the chords stands out.

Why it works

Your ear gets used to a sound that just sits there. Rhythm creates movement and tension, and notes just before the beat pull you forward. That's why funk, house and R&B chords bounce even when the progression is only two chords.