Dealing with Laziness
After all this information about taking action, let’s be honest, we all feel lazy from time to time – right? There are days where the most attractive choice is simply to do nothing. But this can be a problem, especially when the desire to be lazy coincides with pressing obligations or if it happens too often.
Overcoming laziness is a skill anyone can learn and apply, if you follow these techniques:
Think about the end result, rather than the process. The thought of having a clean house, or a completed business report feels good, but the idea of cleaning, or crunching numbers does not. When you find yourself dragging your heels, turn your focus and concentration to the end result.
Work for just 5 minutes. Taking the first step is often the most difficult. It’s easy to keep going if you can just get started. Setting a small goal makes it easier to get off the couch. Tell yourself you can quit after five minutes. Usually you’ll keep going. Focus on getting started.
List the advantages of getting things done now. Consider the rewards of doing what you need to do right now. You won’t have to worry about them, and will have one thing less weighing on your mind tomorrow. Convince yourself the time for action is right now.
List the disadvantages of waiting to complete your tasks. The main reason we convince ourselves laziness is okay, is the belief that a task can wait. Remind yourself, and make a list, of the problems that will be created by procrastinating.
Recall the challenges you faced when you were lazy in the past. We’ve all put things off, then suffered for it. There were real consequences and pain. Use those memories to inspire and motivate yourself.
Have exciting goals. If you often feel lazy, perhaps you don't have inspiring goals, and need to rethink and reset them.
Break the task into smaller, manageable chunks. Big tasks can be intimidating and overwhelming. But successfully completing several small tasks that lead to success is easier. Remember, you can only eat an elephant one bite at a time.
Get physically active. When you’re struggling to take action, doing something physical will often help. Go for a walk, or lift some weights. Any activity that gets your heart pumping can be effective to get you started on a task you’re putting off.
Get organized. It’s easy to feel unmotivated when your surroundings are cluttered. Tidy up! It'll give you the kick-start you need to get going. Take a few minutes to make your surroundings a little tidier.
Control your self-talk. Tell yourself how good you'll feel when things are done and off your plate. Stand tall, take a deep breath, and maintain positive thoughts. Doing so will give you the energy and motivation needed to forge ahead.
Take a nap. Perhaps you’re simply tired? Feeling lethargic and real fatigue go hand-in-hand. If you’re tired, get some sleep.
Enjoying a lazy Sunday is fine. Feeling lazy occasionaly is normal, but not always acceptable. There are times when being lazy creates real challenges, but knowing how to overcome the urge to be lazy provides enormous benefits.
#Growth #selfawareness #mindset #selfdiscipline #intentions #Action
