How to Overcome Procrastination and Laziness
Introduction
I will need you to understand that procrastination and laziness are arguably the most silent killers of potential. We have been there, having a long list of tasks to do but choosing to sit down, scrolling through social media, playing video games, or trying to take a 5-minute nap that will eventually end up as two hours.
The real truth is that overcoming procrastination and laziness is not about working harder; it is about working the smart way. Hence, in this article, we will explain what procrastination is and a step-by-step strategy you can implement to break free as a student, entrepreneur, freelancer, or employee.
What Is Procrastination
Procrastination is simply when you know you should do something, but you put it off. It’s not always about laziness. In fact, procrastination often happens because:
- The task feels too big or confusing
- You are afraid of doing it wrong
- You don’t know where or how to start
- It’s boring to you
What Is Laziness
Laziness is simply a lack of desire or motivation to do anything. But sometimes people aren't truly lazy. They may be experiencing any of these:
- Low energy
- Burnout
- Lack of clarity
- Depression or anxiety
Understanding the main cause of your laziness helps you in dealing with it the way you should, without compromise.
Why You Procrastinate
Now, let’s quickly break these down:
Firstly, you often procrastinate because your brain tries to avoid pain and seeks pleasure. A hard task will result in mental stress, while watching videos on TikTok or eating snacks gives you instant pleasure. Hence, you delay the pain and go on to enjoy the short-term pleasure.
Secondly, when you are addicted to instant gratification. The world we live in seems to be a "now" world. You want everything to happen fast; therefore, waiting or working feels uncomfortable for you.
However, fear of failure can trigger your brain to avoid certain tasks in order to protect your ego.
Also, no clear deadline can make you procrastinate until that deadline panic hits.
Signs of Procrastination
- You delay important work
- You often say, “I’ll do it later.”
- You feel tired even after resting
- You often make excuses and put the blame on circumstances
- You always start a task, but don’t finish it
- You always multitask to avoid doing one hard thing
Proven Tips to Overcome Procrastination and Laziness
Let’s break it down, step by step.
1. Break Tasks into Small Steps
2. Use the 2-Minute Rule: That's "If it takes 2 minutes or less, do it now."
3. Set Deadlines: This will create urgency and give your brain the consciousness to finish fast.
4. Reward Yourself
5. Use Visual Reminders and Track your progress.
6. Eliminate Distractions: You can put your phone on silent, log out of social media, and turn off notifications.
7. Change Your Environment
8. Set a start time, but do not set a finish time.
9. Be accountable: you can join a challenge or hire a coach.
10. Learn to plan your day the night before.
11. Focus on your progress and not your perfection
12. Try making a boring task more fun. You can do this by playing music, turning the task into a game, and competing with yourself.
13. Write down what you have finished each day.
14. Physical laziness feeds mental laziness. Try moving your body. Take a walk, stretch, or dance
15. Sleep well and eat the right food.
20. Have the belief that you can change
Powerful Mindsets to Beat Laziness
Don’t wait to feel like doing it. Just start first, and motivation will follow.
You won’t feel motivated every day. That’s normal. Just show up anyway.
Focus on getting it done, not making it perfect.
Conclusion
Procrastination and laziness are habits. And just like any habit, they can be broken, replaced, and improved. You don’t need to change everything overnight. Start with one strategy today. Then another tomorrow. Bit by bit, you’ll become unstoppable.
So stop reading now. Take a breath. Pick one thing and go ahead to do it.
Tags:
Career & Personal Growth