9 Tips to Help You Overcome Laziness

They’re simple, but effective.

Photo by Zhang Kenny on Unsplash

We all tend to be lazy sometimes. Everyone has certain tasks that they dread doing or simply do not want to do. Nevertheless, the tasks need to get done. When we are avoiding tasks, it can be seen as laziness. Here are some tips to get you back on track.

1. Remember your why. Put another way, what was your initial motivation to do the thing that you’re avoiding? If you’re dieting, was it to be healthier or look better? If it’s going above and beyond at work, was it to help you get a promotion or accolades from your boss? If you think about it, there will always be a long-term benefit to anything you choose to do — otherwise you wouldn’t be doing it in the first place. Remember that, and it will help motivate you to continue.
2. List the benefits of doing it. Literally write a list. Most likely, if you’re feeling lazy, it’s because you’re focused on the fact that you don’t want to do the task. Instead, think about what you’ll gain from doing it. If you are learning to crochet so that you can sell things for some side money but don’t want to practice and perfect your stitches, think about how good it will feel when you’ve made your first sale of something you created.
3. Consider the consequences of not doing the task at hand. What will your laziness cost you? For example, if you’re not filing your taxes on time, you could have to pay fines. Or you may get audited when you do file them. Take a moment to think about what will happen if you don’t do what you need to do and see if the cost is worth not doing it.
4. Focus on one single task at a time. Perhaps you’re overwhelmed instead of truly lazy. If you focus on one simple task at a time, it could make it easier for you to complete.
5. View the task as a learning opportunity. Whether you choose to think about it as learning to overcome your laziness or learning a new way to do something or become better at something, viewing the task as a learning experience will change the way you view the task. For example, while gardening, you could listen to lessons on how to speak a new language.
6. Listen to music that motivates you. This one is close to my heart. Ever since I was a small girl I have listened to music to help me focus or…