Ambitious... But Lazy!

by Merin Babu
(India)

I feel very lazy! I don't have the urge to study for my professional course or take care of my daily chores.

Even though I am ambitious, I don't feel self-motivated to complete assignments that are set for me.

Please help.

* * *

Hi Merin,

You've either lost sight of what it was about your course that appealed to you, or you've got into the habit of 'unproductivity' - which affects us all from time to time.

The problem, of course, is knowing what to do about it.

Here are some suggestions:

Get into the habit of getting things done. You may find that often it's not rest you need to feel invigorated, but action. When you've crossed off a task on your to-do list it's surprising how it can create a little burst of energy and feeling of well-being.

That's all very well, but how do you actually find the motivation to get things done?

Simple - reduce the resistance you feel to a task by breaking it down into manageable chunks and then give yourself a reward for doing that bit.

You can tackle a portion of the task or you can work on it for a set length of time. For example, let's say you have a 10'000 word assignment due in three weeks time. You know it's important, but you just can't face doing it.

Break it down and do 2000 words. Or 200; even 20 - just get the stone rolling, take a break and give yourself a small reward, then rinse and repeat.

Alternatively, set a timer and 'timebox' however many minutes you feel you can work for, then do it. You may find that you keep going for longer, which is of course fine (unless you have something else to do). But if you do more of the assignment, then great - go for it. The thing is, there's no obligation to do so.

Don't rely on motivation to get you through something difficult or challenging. It changes daily depending on all sorts of factors.

Remind yourself of the reasons why you committed yourself to your course and get things done by reducing your resistance to them.

Best wishes.

Tim

Further Reading:

• How to Avoid Procrastination by Time Boxing
  
  
• Goal Setting Strategy