Laziness is human nature, but it is a very bad habit. Changing it can be a painful process. However, if you are determined to change and are mentally prepared to persist in the long term, you will reap very different rewards.
How to resist laziness?
1. Break down a big goal
Break your big goal into smaller steps and gradually achieve them. If the smaller steps are still too large, break them down further into tasks that can be completed daily. Most people feel overwhelmed and stressed when facing a big goal, but if you can divide it into smaller steps and complete them one by one, your sense of accomplishment will grow stronger.
2. Take immediate action
We often think, "This isn't urgent, I'll do it later." After a while, we say, "It's not urgent, I've waited this long, why not wait a bit longer?" This creates a vicious cycle. When you think of something, take immediate action. First, set a realistic daily goal. Once you set this goal, you have no way out—you must act immediately. Taking immediate action helps you maintain a sense of urgency and motivation, improving your efficiency and speed.
3. Imagine how you'll feel after completing it
When you don't feel like continuing, that's when laziness strikes. Take a break and imagine how people around you will perceive you after you complete the task. That sense of accomplishment and satisfaction will ignite your motivation, making you want to finish the task, and your drive will become even stronger. You'll want to dive back into your work immediately.
4. Make a schedule
Create a schedule for yourself because everyone's memory has limits unless you've had special training. If you write down or list everything you need to do today on a piece of paper or a schedule, you're less likely to forget and will have a clear goal. Nowadays, mobile apps are very advanced, with all kinds of software available. Find one that suits you or use a memo app on your phone—whatever works best for you.
The greatest enemy of laziness is persistence and habit. Once you turn something into a habit, it becomes part of your daily life, and laziness will no longer have an excuse.
