How to Overcome Laziness
The answer might not be straightforward. While some people may naturally be more prone to laziness, even highly productive individuals can sometimes struggle to get things done.
Here are some tips to help you overcome laziness and enhance your productivity:
1. Make Your Goals Manageable
Setting unrealistic goals and taking on too much can lead to burnout. Burnout symptoms are recognized by medical professionals and can include exhaustion, loss of interest and motivation, and a desire to escape. Avoid overloading yourself by setting smaller, attainable goals that will help you reach your destination without overwhelming you.
2. Don’t Expect Perfection
Perfectionism is increasing and taking a psychological toll. A 2017 study of college students from 1989 to 2016 found a rise in perfectionism, noting that "young people [are] now facing more competitive environments, more unrealistic expectations, and more anxious and controlling parents than previous generations." This rise in perfectionism causes people to be overly critical of themselves and others, leading to increased depression and anxiety. A smaller study concluded that expecting perfection was related to avoidant coping, causing individuals to avoid dealing with stressors.
3. Use Positive Instead of Negative Self-Talk
Negative self-talk can derail your efforts to get things done. Telling yourself that you’re lazy is a form of negative self-talk. You can counter this by practicing positive self-talk. Instead of saying, “There’s no way I can get this done,” try, “I’ll give it my all to make it happen.”
4. Create a Plan of Action
Planning how you will accomplish something can make it easier to get there. Be realistic about the time, effort, and other factors needed to meet your goal and create an action plan. Having a plan will provide direction and confidence, even if you encounter obstacles along the way.
5. Use Your Strengths
Think about your strengths when setting goals or tackling tasks. Try to apply them to various aspects of a task to help you get things done. Research has shown that focusing on strengths increases productivity, positive feelings, and engagement in work.
6. Recognize Your Accomplishments Along the Way
Acknowledging your achievements can help motivate you to keep going. Consider writing down all your accomplishments in everything you do, whether at work or home. This can boost your confidence and positivity, fueling you to continue.
7. Ask for Help
Many people believe that asking for help is a sign of weakness, but not asking for help could set you up for failure. A 2018 study found that people who don’t ask coworkers for help were more likely to be dissatisfied in their jobs and had lower levels of job performance. They were also perceived less favorably by their employers. Asking for help improves your chances of success and helps you connect with others who can encourage and motivate you.
8. Avoid Distraction
We all have our favorite distractions we turn to when we’re not feeling up to a task, whether it’s scrolling through social media or playing with a pet. Find ways to make your distractions less accessible. This could mean finding a quiet place to work or using an app to block sites that you scroll through mindlessly when you should be working.
9. Make Tedious Tasks Fun
We tend to avoid tasks that we find boring or tedious. Chores like cleaning the gutters or the bathroom will never be loads of fun, but you can make them more enjoyable. Try listening to music or a podcast, or use a fitness tracker to see how many calories you burn or steps you get while performing these tasks.
10. Reward Yourself
Getting a job done is a reward in itself, but some people are driven by external rewards. Focus on what you’ll gain from completing a task, like getting closer to a promotion, or reward yourself for a job well done. Celebrate the end of a big project with a night out or invite friends over for a drink after a day of cleaning.
How to Beat Laziness with Healthy Living
When it comes to stopping laziness, making healthy changes can be very effective.
1. Eat High-Protein Foods
Some foods increase your energy and keep your blood sugar stable, making you less likely to feel sluggish and lazy. High-protein foods include:
- Greek yogurt
- Almonds
- Eggs
- Tuna
2. Avoid Sugary and High-Fat Foods
Nutrition and productivity are linked. Steer clear of foods that drain your energy because they’re slow to digest or cause blood sugar spikes. These include:
- Foods and drinks high in sugar
- Refined carbs, such as white bread and pasta
- Alcohol
- Fried foods and fast food
3. Exercise
Along with numerous other benefits, exercise is a surefire way to get rid of laziness. Just a few minutes of exercise can increase energy levels, improve mood, and reduce anxiety, stress, and depression — all of which can make you feel drained and unmotivated. Try a short walk or bike ride to combat that lazy feeling.
4. Sleep and Rest
There are many things you can do to sleep better at night, from avoiding screen time just before bed to limiting nap time during the day. Aim to get the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep each night to feel refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead.
5. Manage Stress
Stress can drain you, making you feel too mentally and physically exhausted to do anything. Finding strategies for coping with stress can help improve your mood and give you back the energy and drive to get things done. Spending time with loved ones, cuddling a pet, and soaking in the tub are just a few ideas.
6. Carry Water with You
The benefits of drinking water are endless, and many can help fight laziness. Staying hydrated can boost energy levels and brain function. It also helps maximize physical performance. A few sips of water can also help perk you up if you’re feeling sluggish.
7. Quit Smoking
Increased energy levels thanks to improved circulation and oxygen are just a couple of the benefits of quitting smoking. Quitting can also boost your immune system, improve your sex life, and lower your risk of several serious conditions. Quitting smoking can be difficult, but your doctor can help you create a personalized plan of action.
