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How to Stop Being Lazy:
8 Successful Strategies to Start

Have you ever been sitting in front of your laptop, staring blankly into space with no focus at all? If the answer is yes, read these strategies to stop being lazy and get focused and active in your life.
Laziness is never the key to success. Feeling too lazy to work can drag you down and lead to unproductivity. Don't let laziness drive you away from your potential. Continue reading to learn about different strategies you can try!
a man standing near his desk with a laptop on it and thinking how to stop being lazy

Are you lazy or depressed?

Clinical depression is never an easy condition to have and has nothing to do with being lazy. Feelings of depression can be increased because of stress, but in general, people who have it can't point to anything that specifically triggered the condition. Depression can seem to arise for no reason at all. If you suspect you may be experiencing symptoms of depression, make sure to speak to your doctor. You deserve to feel good, and help is available.

Laziness, on the other hand, is an entirely different thing. Whether or not they admit it, people who feel lazy know that they can do the task, but they keep putting it off. They might say, "I'll just do it tomorrow," or "I can do it later."

There are significant differences between the two.

How to stop being lazy and depressed

If you're trying to figure out how to stop being lazy and depressed, it's important to look closely at your mental health. When you are clinically depressed, feeling lazy can be a symptom. The best thing to do is to visit a doctor who can work with you to develop strategies to cope with the condition.

If you're not experiencing depression, you can stop being lazy by just pushing yourself to do what needs to be done. It's understandable if you are tired and you want to rest. But if you're well-rested, try giving yourself a boost of energy by moving around, getting out of bed, and start taking a step toward your goal. Figuring out how to stop being lazy starts with not letting your emotions dictate your actions.

Do you need motivation to break out of laziness?

Sometimes, motivation comes hard. If you want to learn more about motivation, here's a helpful article. You might feel unmotivated to work or accomplish something, especially when several bad things seem to be happening all at once. We've got some tips you can try to get motivated and stop being lazy.
a tired woman lying on the couch and thinking how to stop being lazy

How to stop being lazy and unmotivated

If you feel down because you've been feeling lazy for quite some time, you don't have to worry. You can still make changes in your life. They don't have to be drastic; simple steps can go a long way. Here are some strategies to stop laziness and boost motivation.

8 successful strategies to overcome laziness

1. Make an action plan

When you have a feasible plan, it'll be easier to get things done. Be practical and realistic with how much time you have, the effort required, and anything else you need to accomplish your goals and create an action plan. When you have a plan, you have a direction, and you'll feel confident regardless of small bumps along the way.

2. Remind yourself of past accomplishments

Think of the things you have already accomplished. Ask yourself if you achieved these goals just by sitting around. You had to put in the effort and hard work. You are still that person, and you still can reach your goals. If you've done it before, you can do it again.

3. Limit distractions

It will be hard to focus on what you have to do if you are in front of the TV, constantly looking at notifications on your smartphone, or surrounded by messy clutter. By removing those distractions, you'll remove the things that can keep you from achieving your goals and make you feel lazy. For example, if your TV is on, you are more likely to start watching a show you enjoy, avoiding your work.
a woman ran a marathon as an example how it's important to stop being lazy

4. Use the five-second rule

Mel Robbins created this rule. To do whatever you are avoiding, immediately begin counting: 5-4-3-2-1-GO, and then get to it! It's easy to get started if you don't overthink it too much. This five-second action can rewire your brain to grab the opportunity that's in front of you instead of second-guessing. In this way, you'll be more productive and better able to reach your goals instead of procrastinating and feeling lazy.

5. Add creativity to routine tasks

Routine tasks can be draining, especially when you do them every day. To fight the exhaustion of routine tasks, make them more creative. For example, when you have to type a document, try to add colors and designs. Make it more pleasing to the eye. Try to complete the same task in a new way you've never tried before.

6. Eat healthily and exercise more

  • Eat high-protein foods to increase your energy, such as Greek yogurt, almonds, tuna, and eggs.
  • Avoid consuming food that drains your energy like sugar, refined carbs, alcohol, fast food, and fried food.
  • Exercise more often. It helps pump up your energy, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve your mood.

These lifestyle changes can help you eliminate stress. If you feel physically tired and lazy all the time even if you're eating right and exercising, here's a powerful article that might explain why.
a woman in sportswear putting her boxing bandages and thinking how to stop being lazy

7. Don't beat yourself up when you fail

It's normal to fail, so try not to let it paralyze you. When you fail, look for what you've learned from it and use the lessons to reach your goals. It's okay to feel demotivated after a failure, but don't obsess about it to the point that you give up. Don't beat yourself up. Pick yourself up and keep going.

8. Use the two-minute rule

David Allen made this rule. This is also a good method if you're wondering how to stop being lazy at work. The idea is that if a task will take less than two minutes to complete, do it right away. David Allen suggests that each task can be broken up into two-minute micro-tasks. For example, if you have to finish a book, take two minutes to read one page before going to bed. By taking it two minutes at a time, you'll reach your goal before you know it.

Summary

Laziness won't get you very far. If you want to figure out how to stop being lazy and unmotivated and how to stop procrastinating, it can be very challenging. Everyone has experienced feeling that way occasionally. But try not to get stuck. Use these eight strategies to keep yourself motivated, and in no time, you'll see yourself being productive again!

References

1. https://psychcentral.com/blog/am-i-depressed-or-just-lazy/
2. https://www.calendar.com/blog/how-the-5-second-rule-can-help-you-combat-laziness/
3. https://www.cnbc.com/2019/02/01/the-2-minute-rule-how-to-stop-procrastinating-and-start-new-habits
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