How to Stop Being Lazy

jcjunglebob

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"Just take action"

It's posted all over the forums, yet very few do. I decided to make this post to address those that don't.

The problem for most of us is that we work with limited energy. If you work a 9-5 job you are forced to work the rest of your shift, so this doesn't present much of a problem. When working at home however, when you run low on energy you stop being motivated or focused and end up not getting much done.

So there are two things we can do to increase productivity levels. Increase our energy and spend it more wisely.


Lifestyle changes to increase your energy.

Set an Alarm - If you are sleeping freely you are likely under the sloth effect. So pick a time when you are most productive or just any time in general and set an alarm to wake you. This is one of the most important steps if you don't already do so as it makes you much more energetic and productive compared to waking up without one.

Eat Breakfast - This one is a bit obvious. Eating breakfast provides your body with the fuel it needs to get things done. If you are hungry or haven't eaten it is unlikely you will actually do anything.

Eat Healthy - If you have the choice, choose wisely. This one is self explanatory.

Expirement - Try things to improve your energy levels such as having a snack at a certain time of the day or taking a nap. Each person is different and small things can go a long way. You can also try changing your atmosphere by cleaning or moving your work location.

(I personally spend 5 minutes a day cleaning before jumping in which gets me moving and keeps my house nice.)


Smart practices to get things done.

Make a List - Make a list of things to do. Keep these things easy and precise. If a task is too vague or large you will likely not get it done. So instead of tasking 'use autoblog method' make it smaller tasks such as 'make an autoblog site','do autoblog SEO' and 'drive traffic with digg' or whatever it is you do.

Do Little - Only plan to do three things on your list each day. It may not seem like much, but doing three new tasks a day will add up quickly. If you try to do more you will over-exert yourself and get less done over time.

Avoid Traps - Do not fall into energy draining traps such as watching youtube or coming to BHW to read the latest and greatest methods before finishing your daily tasks. Of course avoid video games as well.

Don't Think - This technically is another energy draining trap but it needs to be clarified. Many people get caught up in introspection thinking about a method in full or what they are going to do with all the money they will make from it. All that thinking quickly eats up any energy you were going to use to actually put in practice what you were thinking so long on. Any thinking should be done by the time it is on your list, so when you wake up to start checking things off just do them and don't dwell.


These are a few tips that have helped me and I hope will help others in getting out of that lazy rut. Remember being able to choose your own hours does not mean you can be lazy and succeed. Just as being your own boss does not make your job any easier.

P.S. Some physical illnesses can also cause lack of energy such as depression. If you feel like you may be affected by one you should see a doctor. Though in any case the above will still help.
 
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I like the overall "guide" but the best part has to be making lists. I've achieveed more using lists than I have without them because they show me a steady flow to work through which makes things simpler.

Thanks.
 
Good post. Just what I needed to get me to actually do some work today. I recommend Wake Up Productive by Eben Pagan too for productivity.
 
Don't forget exercise. Like most of us that sit in front of computers all day, its easy to neglect our physical health. I read somewhere that we should be walking 10k steps a day... minimum. Anyway, i've found that exercising greatly enhances my energy levels and helps me focus.
 
Exercising is definitely a good tip also. I forgot to mention it because I was thinking of short term immediate changes while writing this and for most people it takes a little while to warm up to it. Though I definitely recommend stretching and doing some in house exercising or taking some walks.
 
An excellent post to motivate people. The simplest thing I find is to act as though you are still working for someone else ie. a 9-5 job.
HTH
 
Nice post indeed. I'm sure all of us are guilty of at least some of these, including myself. Luckily I exercise on a regular basis and eat healthy most of the time. I just need to work on my work hours. But nobody is perfect.
 
An excellent post to motivate people. The simplest thing I find is to act as though you are still working for someone else ie. a 9-5 job.
HTH

Thanks, though I didn't really intend this to be a motivational post as much as some hard fact lifestyle changes to improve self productivity, as I know everyone wishes to get more done.

Pretending you are still working for someone else does help create a familiar sense of urgency, which can be helpful to some who lack motivation. Though it takes enough imagination to convince yourself enough to matter.
 
Good post, most of the things you say is common sense. But often not practiced in real life. Thanks, will try to keep them.
 
Good post, most of the things you say is common sense. But often not practiced in real life. Thanks, will try to keep them.

I think it is common sense if you think about a healthy lifestyle. But people tend to associate laziness with willpower. They get into this thinking that they can just will themselves to do more if they try hard enough
 
Good post. Thats my new years resolution. Action, action, action
 
Good thread indeed. Excercising helps a lot in my opinion and also eating and sleeping accordingly have a great effect.
 
Agree. If one continues to think and do nothing, then they become lazy.
 
Cheers! Love threads that makes me more motivated.

-Mark

That's well. But don't be on of those people that read "motivational" posts that makes you feel good and do nothing. If you have trouble finding the energy to do things then put at least a few of these tips to practice.
 
Great tips, actually I found even before reading it here writing down things really helps. Thanks again.
 
I've been keeping a notepad next to my bed and making a daily list of things to do for years. It's a visual reminder, so it helps me get stuff done :)

Working after breakfast is a good tip too because you're pretty awake considering you got enough sleep.
 
Add "stop smoking" to the list.

You will be amazed at what happens when you stop going for smoke breaks.
 
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