6 Simple Ways to Beat Laziness

Everyone gets lazy from time to time, but it can be a serious problem when there's work you really need to do.

When that moment comes, it can be handy to have a few laziness-busting tips in your arsenal. It may not feel like it, but motivation actually comes from within, and you're only moments away from inspiring yourself at any moment.

Don't believe us? Just try the six simple steps below to work through your laziness and get things done.

Break Down the Task Into Simpler Steps

Sometimes, the work that lies ahead of us feels so intimidating that we refuse to start at all. The first step to breaking through that fear is simply writing down everything that must be done. Seeing it all in a list can help you realize it's not as much as you thought, and it can make the situation way less daunting. If it still feels like a lot, try to break down the bigger tasks into small, doable steps. If you can get a start on those mini-assignments, it just might give you the momentum to push through your entire list.

SpongeBob SquarePants: SpongeBob making list

(SpongeBob SquarePants via Nickelodeon)

 

Change (or Tidy) Your Environment

Sitting at the same desk day after day to do your homework can get old for some people, making them feel lazy and uninspired. If you feel like that's happened to you, try picking up your work and moving to a different location to see if it sparks something creative. Maybe you want to try working at the living room table, or in the backyard, or at the library. Anywhere new has the potential to change your thinking. And if you don't have anywhere else to go, try re-arranging your desk space. If it's messy, cleaning up and making it look nice and tidy can also put you in a better mindset for getting things done.

 

Engage in Something That Actually Motivates You

When you have to do something important, pretty much any other option will often seem more appealing than buckling down and addressing the issue at hand. In those cases, it can sometimes be wise to take a look at the other things you'd rather be doing. If you're super motivated to do something else that's also productive, dedicate 10 or 20 minutes to it. Your progress there might break your cycle of laziness and help you get back to the task you've been avoiding.

Rapunzel painting a mural on her walls in Disney's Tangled

(Tangled via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

 

Force Yourself to Work on Your Task for Just 10 Minutes

Getting started can be the hardest part. If you're really dreading something, try setting a 10-minute timer and force yourself to get to work for that entire time. Start with something easy that you can finish in that time period and continue from there. Not only will you be able to chip away at it your bigger goal, but when that 10 minutes is up, chances are your progress will help you not to feel as lazy as you did before and keep going.

 

Put on Something Cute

Laziness can come from a few sources, and one of them is a lack of self-confidence. The easiest way to turn that around is by pampering yourself a bit. When you believe that you look good, you'll start feeling good, too. Even if you're not leaving the house (or even your room) don't be afraid to wear something that makes you feel self-assured. Even a dab of lip gloss might be enough to give you that push that you need.

riverdale-betty-looking-in-mirror-articleH-012519

(Riverdale via The CW)

 

Put Your Phone Somewhere Out of Arm's Reach

Your cell phone can be laziness' best friend. It's way too easy to throw away hours of your time scrolling through social media and accomplishing absolutely nothing, so whenever possible, pick up your phone and put it somewhere out of reach. You should actually have to get up and walk around to use it, which can prevent too many unnecessary distractions. If you discover you have questions that can only be answered by looking them up on your phone, write them all down and save them so they can all be addressed at once. Plus, time away from your phone might motivate you to work harder and faster so you can get back to it.

 

Want to keep the motivation coming? Click HERE to tips on maintaining a morning skincare routine, no matter how lazy you are.

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