Taking some time off from your busy routines is quite normal and essential during these busy times. But if you end up doing it very often and are not able to achieve anything, chances are you are lazy.
Laziness may be due to fear of failure and an endless list of tasks to accomplish or lack of motivation for your job.
Whatever the reason may be, you can always overcome laziness and increase your productivity by following some simple tips.
Make manageable goals
A long to-do list can be overwhelming. You may end up doing nothing at all due to the overload. Setting impractical goals can lead to demotivation, exhaustion, loss of interest and guilt. Your goals need to be achievable and stimulating. You must have realistic expectations on how much you can really achieve. Set smaller, attainable goals.
Have an accountability partner
Get a partner who can hold you responsible for the accomplished tasks. Ensure your partner has a track record of accomplishing their tasks. This will improve your speed, quality and efficiency at work. You can turn to the partner when you face a setback or obstacle and also celebrate your victories together along the way. The reassurance and encouragement that you get will develop great resiliency in you.
Avoid distractions
To avoid demotivation, free your surroundings from diversions, noise and clutter. Make your space work-friendly. Personalize your workspace. Place a calendar, decorative pen holders, photo frames, and a motivational quote. Stack your files and paper in drawers or other storage boxes. You can select a quiet place to work to avoid distractions, by making them inaccessible.
Develop an action plan
Research all the small and attainable steps that are needed for accomplishing your goal. Make a specific plan for when, where and how you will complete a particular task. By doing this, you can be aware of the hurdles you may come across during the journey. Be realistic about the amount of effort, time,money, help or other factors involved. You will feel confident and peaceful when you go into the process.
Divide it up
Breaking down your huge goal into smaller or short-term goals can lessen the monotony and you will feel less tired. If your goal is to read 50 pages every day, you can read a few pages every time you have your cup of tea. Within no time, you will be achieving your reading goal.
Focus on your strengths
When you are about to set goals or tackle a task, take a moment to make a list of your personal strengths by reflecting on the qualities that made you get through the challenges you faced in life. Ask your family and friends to supplement the list. Try to apply these strengths to different aspects of a task to help you get things done. This will increase productivity, positive feelings and engagement in work.
Make new habits
If you are in the habit of putting off the complex tasks for last, switch it up and start doing them first. Fully devote yourself to those tasks after picking one or two things to focus on.
See the value in your goals
It’s easy to become lazy if you don’t see the value in your tasks. When you make a to-do list, include the benefits of each task. This way, productivity becomes much more rewarding.
Surround yourself with passionate people
Surround yourself with people who love what they do, and are creative and motivated. You will also feel enthusiastic. If you spend time with complaining people, it will affect your work efficiency too.
Find your most productive time
Decide on the hours in which you are naturally most productive. Working during your best time of the day will increase your confidence as you see the output.
Value your time
Make the most out of the time you spend working. Prioritize the tasks in your to-do list. It will be easier to work productively, this way.
Schedule work and break times
Take a break occasionally. For example, you could work for the first 45 minutes of every hour and then take a 15 minute break. A break for a limited time would not affect the momentum.
Reward yourself
When you have something to look forward to, overcoming laziness and accomplishing tasks becomes easier. Reward yourself for a job well done or completing a relatively challenging task. Celebrate your victories as you achieve small goals or overcome difficulties. Set aside a day or an hour, depending on your needs and schedule, to do things you long to do when you should be working on your goals.
Ask for help
Ask a friend, a colleague or sibling to give you company as you do those dull tasks that have been kept pending for a long time. If you have someone to accompany you, chances are you can get them done more efficiently and faster given the encouragement and motivation. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
Recognize your efforts
Do not hesitate to share your grandiose plans. Do it proudly. You will be lauded for your bravery and confidence. When you share your vision with others, you become more accountable to achieving it. Praise yourself for every little task completed. You will be motivated to keep going. List all your accomplishments along the way. This way, your confidence and positivity will be boosted.
Nothing changes until you do
All the tips and tricks of the world will not help until you decide to change. You have to change from within. When you change, the world around you will also change.
A positive mindset, little changes in the daily routine, and self-confidence will help you overcome laziness, for sure. Remember to set achievable goals and play to your strengths and call out for help when in need. Start right now to develop the self-discipline you need to reach your goals.
