Are you convinced that you will never know how to become less lazy? Keep reading because I've compiled some tips that you can implement each day to break your habits and start being more productive.
One bad day is not failure.
Each person has a different idea of what is deemed as laziness. For some, getting out of bed and doing a few jobs is a lot! This could be due to many reasons.
For others, they struggle to see why others aren't as active or productive as them.
In this article, I will show you how to improve your levels of productivity rather than asking you to achieve unrealistic levels of productivity straight away.
Ready? Let's do this!
Is It Possible to Change the Habit of Laziness?
It is easy to think that some people have a natural ability to go out and accomplish everything they want to do each day. It is also easy to believe you are naturally lazy and find it hard to be a go-getter.
Although many people claim habits are easy to change, it certainly doesn't feel that way sometimes.
For some reason, it's much tougher for many of us to get out of lazy habits. If you find yourself living with these habits, it's important to know it will be tough to break these habits, and it will take a lot of hard work.
But it is possible.
Three Steps to Creating New Habits
So, how do you break these bad habits? Let's dive deeper into how to get rid of your pesky laziness habit.
Getting into the habit of regularly doing something is much easier said than done. We often find it easy to acquire bad habits with minimal effort, yet forming a positive habit can be tricky.
So, let's cut it down into three steps for you to follow until you have made this new behavior a habit you no longer have to think about, like breathing or brushing your teeth.
Specify What New Habit Will Replace an Old Lazy Habit.
What productive, new habits are you keen to instill? Be really specific, as this will help you implement it.
For example, don't simply state you are going to run more. Instead, state, "I am going to do two 2km runs a week."
Remind Yourself to Do the Non-Lazy Thing
The first few days are easy. You are excited and highly motivated, and sticking to your goal is simple.
However, after a few days, you might notice as you try to slip back into your old habits. Perhaps it is raining or cold. Or maybe you just have a really busy day.
Make sure you set daily reminders, either on your phone or add your new habit to your to-do list.
Remind yourself that it is hard to change all bad habits at once, and focus exclusively on your chosen goal.
Keep it manageable. You are 100% able to handle more than you imagine, but that doesn't mean you need to push yourself to those limits each day.
Make the New Action Part Of Your Routine Until It Becomes A Habit
Before your new activity becomes automatic, implementing a routine will allow you to complete it without relying on reminders and willpower.
Try completing your new habit after something you have to do and something you want to do.
So, going back to the running example, try implementing your run after you come home from work before you settle in for the night.
You always come home from work, so you know that cue will always be accessible. And completing your run before you get too comfortable at home gives you a little reward to look forward to when you get home.
Practice this routine each day, and you will notice your new habits become part of your identity.
How Long Does It Take To Create A New Habit?
It takes a fair amount of time before a new behavior becomes a habit. It is important to be realistic about your expectations and be aware that you will have to put conscious thought and effort into being productive for some time.
For some, a habit can be changed in 21 days. However, for most of us that live busy lives, it can take 66 days or longer.
The best option is to focus on one area at a time. This will help you make significant progress much quicker. Think about how much you could have changed in a year's time!
What Should I Do If I Mess Up?
It's important, to be honest with ourselves - no one is perfect. It's almost impossible to create a new habit without the odd mess up along the way.
However, during the habit-creation stage, try your best to keep your new habit on track. Just be sure not to throw the towel in and give up if you make a mistake.
One bad day is not a failure.
Tomorrow, you can get right back to it.