12 Tips That Will Help You Become Less Lazy And More Productive
“He who every morning plans the transactions of that day and follows that plan carries a thread that will guide him through the labyrinth of the most busy life.”
Victor Hugo
While it is okay to have an occasional lazy day, we may not accomplish much if it becomes more frequent. We will be less productive and lose sight of the things we endeavor to achieve. Which then leaves us feeling lazy and let down.
So let's limit those lazy days to just an occasional treat for ourselves. We all need a little time to kick back and relax. But we all thrive when we are productive and motivated. We all like to feel like we have accomplished something at the end of the day.
"Don't put off until tomorrow what can be done today." – Benjamin Franklin
12 Tips To Being More Productive And Less Lazy
1. Dress for a productive day. Sitting around in your sweat pants, t-shirt, and slippers is not the attire of someone ready and raring to get to busy and get things done. Basically it is an invitation to be lazy. Dress completely, including socks and shoes. Brush your hair and apply a bit of makeup. Dress for productivity not for a lazy lounging day
2. Try a new approach. Identify those things that contribute to your laziness. Find the things that will instead contribute to your productivity. Maybe there is someone you admire who is always very productive and seldom lazy. Observe them and ask them the secret to their success.
3. Be active. Sitting too long does make us lazy. Get up and take a 10-minute walk. Do some stretches. Set a timer and get up at least every hour and move around.
4. Keep a list of what you've accomplished throughout the day. It will inspire you. Checking items off the to-do list can be very motivating.
“Either you run the day, or the day runs you.”
Jim Rohn
5. Be positive. Don't start off thinking that you will never accomplish the things you need to get done. A negative attitude can lead to slipping into laziness. I can't do it, so why try?
6. Don't allow yourself to be distracted. Stay off social media, and turn off the television. Distance yourself from anything you know would distract you. Once you get distracted, laziness can quickly settle in.
7. Have a plan. Know what you are going to do. And lay out your plans for getting it done.
"One must avoid that wicked temptress, laziness."
Horace
8. Recognize your strengths and put them to use.
9. Are there certain times of the day when you find laziness calling to you? Certain times of the day that you are all fired up and ready to get things done? If so, adjust your schedule accordingly.
10. Set yourself a goal of 30 minutes to get a task completed. Set a timer and reward yourself with a short break at the end of the 30 minutes. If the job requires more than 30 minutes, include a few more breaks. There is something about working against a timer that spurs productivity and allows for no laziness.
11. Add healthy living habits into your life that will increase your energy. Drink enough water, avoid too much sugar, get enough sleep and exercise daily. Feeling energized can help avoid a case of the lazy's.
12. Don't make unrealistic goals. Aiming too high can quickly put a damper on your productivity.
Stay positive, stay active, and productive, but allow yourself a lazy day now and then. Balance is key in our lives.
“Time is free, but it’s priceless. You can’t own it, but you can use it. You can’t keep it, but you can spend it. Once you’ve lost it you can never get it back.”
— Harvey Mackay