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Let’s face it: even though bragging about how lazy you are on the Internet is for some reason constantly applauded, you can’t be lazy your whole life. At some point, you have to turn off Netflix and get something done.
In an effort to help those who want to get up and do something great with their life, here are six things to try when you find yourself feeling lazy.
1. Focus on Just One or Two Things
Most of the time laziness is the product of a full plate and no idea where to start. When you try to tackle everything at once, it’s hard not to feel like this:
But when you focus on one or two things at a time, it’s easier to get motivated and not feel so overwhelmed. Once you’ve found the strength to get up and finish one thing, deep down the thought, “hey, maybe I can do this” starts to creep in. Next thing you know, your whole list is done and you’re fist pumping in celebration with all your friends!
2. Exercise
Maybe you really don’t know where to start on your massive to-do list. If that’s the case, go exercise.
You’ll feel a lot better about yourself and have more energy. Plus, while you exercise, your brain activates, which helps you find answers to your problems you hadn’t thought of before.
In Born To Run, a book about some of the craziest running athletes ever, the author says,
“If you don’t have answers to your problems after a four-hour run, you ain’t getting them.”
I’m not saying you should go on a four-hour run, but you get the point. Once your mind has convinced itself it knows what to do, your body can easily follow suit. It’s hard to be lazy when everything inside of you is running on all cylinders.
3. Allow Yourself Time to Relax and Rest
While exercise is good, the gospel of R&R is as true as ever.
There is a big difference between being lazy and resting. Laziness has no purpose. Resting is necessary for life and clears your mind so you can tackle your endeavors head on.
Maybe you’ve been working on a project for too long and you’re burned out. Try sleeping on it. Let yourself have some time to rest. Our bodies and minds need rest to function at optimal levels.
4. Get Organized
If your thoughts are a mess, hash them out in a notebook or on a whiteboard. When everything is in front of you, it’s easier to organize your thoughts. If you don’t have your thoughts organized, it’s hard to feel motivated to do anything.
In addition to organizing your thoughts, maybe you need to get physically organized as well. Cleaning your room or work area is a great way to create an atmosphere of productivity. Most people work better in an organized, clean work space.
Even if you don’t think that’s your problem, it’s worth a try. What if taking the time to get organized is exactly what you need to find the motivation to get going and flaming roundhouse kick your to-do list in the face?
5. Be Aware of Your Self Talk
Often, being lazy is a result of negative self-talk. You convince yourself there’s nothing you can do or that there is too much on your plate. You won’t get anywhere with that attitude.
Quit putting yourself down and start believing in yourself. Even if you don’t feel like it, tell yourself you can do it. Say it out loud. If you have to go to a private place so you don’t feel dumb, do it.
Positive self-talk leads to positive thinking which leads to productive action. You’ll never get anything done if you keep telling yourself you can’t do anything.
6. Search on YouTube
This may seem counterproductive, but YouTube can be used for more than cats and music videos. There are a thousand different videos on YouTube that will make you feel like you could pick up a mountain and throw it to Mars. This ought to get you started:
